Roy Wood Jr., during CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, delivered a pointed jab at former CNN anchor Don Lemon, referencing Lemon’s past on-air controversies and eventual firing. As co-hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen offered celebratory shots of tequila, Wood declined, quipping that “the last Black man to drink on this network got fired.” This remark, delivered with a smirk, alluded to Lemon’s history of on-air exuberance, particularly during New Year’s Eve broadcasts, which ultimately led to a network-wide ban on on-air drinking, excluding Cooper and Cohen. Wood’s joke landed with a mixture of awkward silence and nervous laughter, highlighting the sensitive nature of Lemon’s departure from the network.
The incident underscores a broader narrative surrounding Don Lemon’s tenure at CNN, marked by both impactful journalism and controversial moments. His New Year’s Eve appearances were often characterized by unrestrained behavior, including a live on-air ear piercing in 2016 and a defiant declaration of his on-air persona in 2021. These incidents, culminating in former CEO Chris Licht’s ban on on-air drinking, foreshadowed Lemon’s eventual departure from the network. Wood’s joke, therefore, served not only as a humorous jab but also as a pointed reminder of the circumstances surrounding Lemon’s exit.
Lemon’s firing in 2023 was met with surprise and public criticism from the anchor himself. He expressed dismay at learning of his termination through his agent rather than directly from CNN management, highlighting a perceived lack of professional courtesy. This public airing of grievances further fueled the narrative surrounding his departure, making it ripe for comedic fodder. Wood capitalized on this public discourse, using Lemon’s firing as material for jokes at the 2023 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he suggested that Lemon was fired for his inability to “accurately report a story about Don Lemon.”
Despite the public barbs, Lemon and Wood later appeared to reconcile on “The Don Lemon Show,” suggesting a willingness to move past the incident. This reconciliation, however, doesn’t erase the underlying tensions and controversies that led to Lemon’s firing and subsequent comedic exploitation. The incident serves as a microcosm of the larger conversation surrounding media personalities, on-air conduct, and the consequences of crossing professional boundaries.
Following his departure from CNN, Lemon launched his own show, “The Don Lemon Show,” distributed via social media platforms. This new venture, while offering Lemon a platform to continue his commentary, has also been marked by continued controversy. A recent expletive-laden rant regarding H1-B visas reignited criticism of Lemon’s on-air demeanor and his tendency towards provocative language. This incident suggests that the issues that contributed to his departure from CNN continue to follow him in his new venture.
The trajectory of Don Lemon’s career, from his prominent position at CNN to his independent show and ongoing controversies, provides a compelling case study of the evolving media landscape and the challenges faced by prominent personalities. His story highlights the complexities of navigating on-air conduct, maintaining professional decorum, and managing public image in an increasingly polarized media environment. Wood’s New Year’s Eve joke, therefore, serves not only as a humorous aside but also as a poignant reminder of these ongoing complexities.
