CNN announced that embattled anchor Don Lemon would be back on the air on Wednesday morning — following “formal training” to address sexist comments he made about 2024 Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley — and journalist Megyn Kelly responded to the news by offering up a potential syllabus.
Lemon, 56, faced heavy criticism after saying last Thursday that Haley — who is five years his junior — was no longer “in her prime.” Kelly, who had previously remarked that Lemon had a history of making such comments, listed a few key points that she thought should be on the lesson plan.
“Day 1 of Don Lemon’s ‘formal training’ on how not to be a misogynist. Let’s help!” Kelly tweeted. “1. Women are not damaged goods when they hit 40; 2. Rape victims don’t need your lecture on how to respond to their rape; 3. Women forgetting a fact do not have ‘mommy brain.’ They’re, um… human.”
Day 1 of Don Lemon’s “formal training” on how not to be a misogynist. Let’s help!
1. Women are not damaged goods when they hit 40.
2. Rape victims don’t need your lecture on how to respond to their rape.
3. Women forgetting a fact do not have “mommy brain.” They’re, um… human.— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 21, 2023
Kelly continued, referencing another alleged incident in which Lemon chastised “CNN This Morning” co-host Kaitlan Collins — after which she reportedly ran off the set.
“4. Screaming at your female co-anchor bc she interrupted you to the point where she runs away is considered rude & unprofessional; 5. Postponing an ad break to mansplain to said co-anchor in front of the audience how to properly conduct an interview is an act of douchebaggery,” Kelly added.
6. Defending sexism w/ “some of my best friends are” (in the group I attacked) wld not excuse racism & it doesn’t excuse sexism.
7. “I’m going to continue to be me” is not an acceptable plan when “me” loathes women.
8. When under fire for misogyny, try to at least look/act sorry— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 21, 2023
“6. Defending sexism w/ ‘some of my best friends are’ (in the group I attacked) wld not excuse racism & it doesn’t excuse sexism,” Kelly added. “7. ‘I’m going to continue to be me’ is not an acceptable plan when ‘me’ loathes women; 8. When under fire for misogyny, try to at least look/act sorry.”
CNN CEO Chris Licht announced that Lemon would return — after agreeing to diversity training — for Wednesday morning’s broadcast.
Citing a “frank and meaningful” conversation with the embattled anchor, Licht added, “It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes.”
CNN president Chris Licht on his decision to bring back Don Lemon this week after his "women in their prime" comment on Thursday: "It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with a fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes."
— Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) February 21, 2023
