Los Angeles, CA – Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has opened up about being sexually harassed by both women and men during his 17-year tenure at the network, sharing his experiences in a candid interview on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast. The Hollywood Reporter broke the story on March 17, 2025, highlighting Lemon’s revelations and his nuanced perspective on workplace gender dynamics.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon revealed that he was subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace on multiple occasions throughout his career, and explained his thoughts and experiences with gender and power dynamics: https://t.co/AU35OQn7Hk pic.twitter.com/ilPQyc2cBL
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 17, 2025
In the podcast, Lemon, 59, disclosed specific incidents, including an episode in Atlanta where a female colleague allegedly “tweaked” his nipples in a cafeteria, commenting, “Oh, it’s cold in here.” He described feeling uncomfortable but chose not to report the incident to HR, fearing disbelief or job loss. Lemon emphasized that not all harassment equates to the severity of cases like Harvey Weinstein’s, stating, “There are some things that are really egregious, but not everything is Harvey Weinstein-level.”
The interview, detailed in The Hollywood Reporter, also touched on Lemon’s broader reflections on power and gender in the workplace. As an openly gay Black man, Lemon’s career at CNN included both accolades—such as an Edward R. Murrow Award for his 2002 coverage of the D.C. sniper case—and controversies, including his abrupt firing in April 2024 after reported on-air missteps and tensions with colleagues.
Lemon’s disclosures come amid his post-CNN ventures, including a canceled show partnership with Elon Musk’s X platform in 2024. His comments have sparked renewed conversations about workplace harassment, particularly the complexities when the harasser is a woman. While some on X praised his bravery, others questioned the timing, given his past controversies, like a 2023 remark about Nikki Haley’s age that drew backlash.
Lemon’s revelations, as reported, underscore the need for continued dialogue on workplace culture, regardless of gender. His story adds a personal dimension to ongoing discussions about accountability and power dynamics in media, leaving audiences reflecting on the challenges he faced behind the scenes at CNN.
