Don Lemon Paid $24.5 Million in Separation From CNN

Don Lemon and CNN have reportedly reached an agreement since his departure last year.

Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, and the news network have finalized a separation deal worth approximately $24.5 million. This sum aligns with what Lemon, 57, would have earned over the remaining 3 and a half years of his contract.

When contacted by PEOPLE on Monday, representatives for Lemon declined to comment.

After a 17-year tenure with CNN, Lemon announced his departure from the network in April 2023 via an X (formerly Twitter) post, expressing shock at his termination.

CNN's public relations team swiftly responded to Lemon's post, refuting his claims and stating that he had been given the opportunity to meet with management but chose to announce his termination on social media instead.

Lemon's exit from CNN followed his departure from CNN This Morning in February 2023. He faced criticism for remarks made about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's age during a segment with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins.

Following the backlash, Lemon publicly apologized, underwent formal training, and returned to the airwaves within a week.

However, two months later, Lemon's confrontational interview with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy reportedly exacerbated tensions with CNN leadership and may have contributed to his eventual departure from the network.

In July 2023, Lemon broke his silence in an interview with Rudy Williams of ABC24, asserting his commitment to truth-telling and upholding the principles of the Constitution despite acknowledging his imperfections.