besieged CNN This morning anchor Don Lemon will return to the show on Wednesday, CNN CEO chris light told staff in a memo Monday night.
Licht added that Lemon, who walked away from the news network’s fledgling morning show amid controversy over his comments about Nikki Haley, will participate in formal training before his return, although no details are forthcoming. was provided on the type of training he would undertake.
“I sat down with Don and had a candid and meaningful conversation. He agreed to participate in formal training, while continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously,” Licht said in a note sent Monday evening obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s important to me that CNN strikes a balance between accountability and fostering a culture where people can take ownership, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN this morning Wednesday,” Licht added.
A representative for CNN declined to comment.
Last Thursday the CNN this morningLemon was discussing Haley’s comments that there should be a mental capacity test for any politician over 75. (President Joe Biden and fellow Republican nominee Donald Trump are over 75.)
While discussing her remarks, Lemon said the 51-year-old former South Carolina governor was “not at her peak.”
“Nikki Haley isn’t at her peak, sorry,” Lemon said on Thursday’s show. “A woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s and maybe 40s. If you google “when is a woman in her prime” it will say 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Following numerous reviews, Lemon then tried to apologize for his comments on Twitter. “My reference to a woman’s ‘bonus’ this morning was unartistic and out of place, as pointed out by colleagues and loved ones, and I regret it,” he tweeted. “A woman’s age does not define her personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.
Friday, Lemon apologized to his colleagues during a daily editorial call to the News Network.
Lemon took leave of the labor presidents, according to a person familiar with the situation, who added that it was not pre-planned before the events of last week but was linked to the holidays. Lemon also had the day off on Friday, but that was scheduled before Thursday’s on-air comments got him into hot water.