CNN anchor Don Lemon reportedly “screamed” at his co-host, Kaitlan Collins, for interrupting him.
On the following day, Lemon didn’t show up for the morning show.
CNN claims that Lemon’s absence had nothing to do with the heated argument that occurred. You can watch the interruption below.
An inside source told the New York Post, “Don screamed at Kaitlan, who was visibly upset and ran out of the studio.”
“At this point, Kaitlan wants to be on set with Don as little as possible,” another source said. “It’s messy.”
During “CNN This Morning,” Collins said, “Don is on assignment in Los Angeles.”
Lemon was recently demoted at CNN as the network canceled his prime-time show “Don Lemon Tonight” after eight long years. He used the show as a platform to push radical left-wing views and attack President Donald Trump.
Lemon was moved to a morning spot where he will co-anchor with two others. This new format removes him from the limelight and doesn’t give him as much time to promote his personal left-wing views.
Many American believed Lemon was going to be fired. As promised by incoming CNN boss Chris Licht, the network is making significant changes and moving in a new direction — with less bias.
Viewership has plummeted for the network as a growing number of people have criticized the network’s obvious bias and political agenda in its reporting.
Lemon responded to the situation by saying, “Look, has it been frustrating over the last couple of years having to deal with politics in the way it’s been dealt with in primetime? Yes. Was I tired of it? In some ways, yeah, it’s gotten old. I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that was a factor [in moving to mornings.].”
While Lemon claims he was simply “tired,” not everyone believes him.
Licht has signaled that he is making major waves against blatant bias, anti-Trump personalities like Lemon. Licht is demanding that the liberal network become less partisan and stir away from the angry years seen during the presidency of Donald Trump.
If both on-air personalities and their programming doesn’t comply, they could be fired. Three sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Axios that on-air talent needs to adjust to a less partisan tone and strategy. If not, they could be ousted.
Licht reportedly wants to feature more personalities that are less polarizing. This approach is much different than former CNN president Jeff Zucker.
Zucker was accused of programming that engaged in disrespectful interviews and “PR stunts.” Under Zucker, producers and bookers focused less on nuance and mostly on noise.
