Following comments he made regarding women and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley earlier this week, Don Lemon apologized publicly and in an editorial meeting with his CNN colleagues.
“I’m sorry that I said it,” Lemon said at an editorial meeting with his colleagues on Friday, according to CNN. “And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided.”
Haley, who recently declared her campaign for president in the 2024 race, was referred to by CNN This Morning host Don Lemon as “beyond her prime.” Haley is 51 years old.
A woman is “considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s, and maybe 40s,” the CNN anchor added to his earlier point. Haley and others berated the anchor for his remarks after the episode aired.
“Liberals can’t stand the idea of having competency tests for older politicians to ensure they can do the job,” Haley tweeted. “BTW, it’s always the liberals who are the most sexist.”
Liberals can’t stand the idea of having competency tests for older politicians to make sure they can do the job.
BTW it’s always the liberals who are the most sexist. pic.twitter.com/PzpniQFLff
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 16, 2023
Texas Republican Rep. Mayra Flores wrote: “Don Lemon and Google claim that our 20s, 30s, and 40s are the prime years of our lives. According to Google, guys can become pregnant. Google and Don Lemon are completely ignorant of women and our prime!”
After the program aired, Lemon tweeted the following: “As my coworkers and loved ones have pointed out, the comment I made to a woman’s “prime” this morning was impolite and unrelated, and I regret it. A lady’s age has no bearing on who she is personally or professionally. Every day, the numerous women in my life demonstrate this to me.”
Lemon apologized to his CNN colleagues during the editorial meeting and skipped the broadcast the following day. Chris Licht, the CEO of CNN, also referred to Lemon’s remarks as “inappropriate” and “unfair to his co-hosts” during the meeting.
“The people I am closest to in this organization are women,” Lemon also reportedly said at the meeting. “The people I seek counsel from most in this organization are women.”
