"Women's Prime Lasts Until Their 40s"... Even Top Anchors at Broadcasting Stations Get Fired

Controversy Over Sexist Remarks by CNN's Don Lemon
CNN Effectively Fires Him with Same-Day Notice

US broadcaster CNN has effectively ousted its flagship anchor Don Lemon (57) after he sparked controversy with a sexist remark claiming "a woman's prime is until her 40s."

On the 24th (local time), CNN announced the termination of Lemon's contract in a statement. CNN said, "Lemon will forever remain a part of the CNN family" and "We support his future endeavors."

However, it was reported that CNN unilaterally informed Lemon of the contract termination that morning, effectively deciding to remove him. Lemon also expressed dissatisfaction on Twitter, saying, "I worked at CNN for 17 years, but none of the executives spoke to me first."

Don Lemon's Controversial Remark: "Women's Prime is in Their 20s to 40s"

Anchor Don Lemon, whose contract with CNN has ended.
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

Since joining CNN in 2006, Lemon had served as a flagship anchor for the network's prime-time programs over the past eight years. However, in February, he faced backlash for a slip of the tongue while criticizing former UN Ambassador and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's call for mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old.

At the time, Haley targeted President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, stating, "Politicians over 75 years old should be required to undergo mental competency tests."

Lemon responded, "I find this comment about age uncomfortable," adding, "Sorry, but Haley is not in her prime. Women are considered to be in their prime in their 20s, 30s, or 40s." Co-host Poppy Harlow raised concerns about the remark, but Lemon stood firm, saying he was "just stating facts."

Following the broadcast, Lemon's comment drew widespread criticism. Former CNN White House correspondent Kate Bennett tweeted, "This is sexism." Haley also shared the video, accusing, "Progressives are always the most sexist."

Amid the controversy, Lemon issued an apology, stating, "My comment about a woman's prime was clumsy and inappropriate, and I regret it," adding, "A woman's age does not define her professionally or personally, and I know many women who prove that every day."

According to the New York Times (NYT), citing sources, Lemon's sexist remark was a decisive factor in CNN executives' decision to end his contract.

Additionally, CNN executives reportedly gave negative evaluations of Lemon's recent broadcasts where he aggressively expressed his views on issues such as Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy and Black history.

Fox News' Flagship Anchor Also Fired

Famous anchor Tucker Carlson, who was notified of contract termination by Fox News in the United States. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Fox News, the highest-rated network in the US, also announced the termination of its flagship anchor Tucker Carlson's (53) contract on the same day. Carlson had hosted Fox News' leading program since late 2016 and was popular enough to be mentioned as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump.

However, he was controversial for his extremely conservative views on issues such as racial conflicts and immigration. Carlson was also considered one of the main promoters of the "2020 election fraud" conspiracy theory, for which Fox News paid a massive $787.5 million (about 1 trillion KRW) settlement. Carlson did not comment on the contract termination announcement, but like Lemon, it was reported that he was not informed beforehand.