Don Lemon to Return to CNN This Wednesday Following Formal Training After Criticized Comments

CNN anchor Don Lemon will return to the network’s air on Wednesday after participating in formal training following his sexist comments about 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley last week. Lemon had faced criticism for his comments to his co-anchor Poppy Harlow about Haley not being in “her prime” — a time he defined as a woman’s 20s, 30s and maybe 40s.

CNN’s chief executive, Chris Licht, sent an email to employees Monday night, saying that it was important to him that the network balances accountability with a fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. Lemon had previously apologized to employees for his comments, which prompted internal and external backlash.

Lemon took a scheduled day off work on Friday before his seemingly not-planned day off on Monday, sources told multiple outlets. Licht wrote in a memo that he had sat down with Lemon and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn.

Lemon will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday. The network hopes that Lemon’s return will help to foster a culture of accountability and growth, while also allowing employees to learn from their mistakes.