Don Lemon, a 17-year veteran at CNN, has spoken out about his future plans after his recent departure from the network.
The 57-year-old TV host was reportedly fired from CNN after finishing his morning broadcast on Monday, April 24th. Leading up to his dismissal, there had been allegations of Lemon mistreating his female colleagues during his time at the network.
Lemon took to Twitter after his departure, stating that he was “stunned” and had received “no indication” that he would “not be able to continue to do the work [he has] loved at the network.” He also claimed that there were “larger issues at play.” Despite these allegations, Lemon has since opened up about his next steps.
While on the red carpet at the Time 100 Gala in New York on Wednesday, April 26th, Lemon told an Extra correspondent that he has no plans to begin job hunting just yet. He stated that he plans to spend his summer on the beach and with his family, and then see what happens next.
“I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can do that,” he said. According to The Things, Lemon reportedly made $4 million a year during his time at CNN and has an overall net worth of $12 million, so it’s hardly a surprise he doesn’t feel the pressure to find another job immediately.
“I have time. I don’t have to rush to another job – even if I want another job,” Lemon said. However, he’s not planning on retiring anytime soon and is reportedly looking forward to launching the next stage of his career, wherever that may be.
CNN hit back at Lemon after he released his statement on Twitter, claiming that he hadn’t told the whole story. The CNN public relations team tweeted: “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.” 
While Lemon’s departure from CNN wasn’t the end he may have hoped for after 17 years at the network, he called himself “strong, sturdy stock in Louisiana” and a “survivor.”
He resolved to “bob and weave” and “live [his] life with no regrets.” “I think life is short, and whatever life hands you, you have to bob and weave—and do it,” Lemon said. “Whatever I did, I did, and I own it.”
