Don Lemon returned to CNN This Morning Wednesday after being absent since last Thursday after saying 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley was “past her prime”.
Before he resumed his role with the show, Lemon tweeted an additional apology for his comments, while also sharing his appreciation that he was able to return to the show.
“I appreciate the opportunity to be back on @CNNThisMorning today,” Lemon tweeted before the program. “To my network, my colleagues, and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better. See you soon.”
Lemon has been under fire since his comments last week. He missed Friday’s show with a previously scheduled vacation day. However, The Daily Beast reported Lemon was “benched” for Monday’s show, which CNN refuted.
After missing Tuesday’s program, CNN CEO Chris Licht sent a memo to employees stating “I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously.”
Licht continued by saying “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes.”
The 56-year-old Lemon reportedly apologized to CNN staffers on a conference call last week after the comments and has now publicly apologized for his statement a second time.
