Lesser-Known Facts About Don Lemon

Don Lemon has been one of the most prominent faces on CNN for nearly two decades. The highly successful journalist joined the news giant in 2006, going on to be the host of his own prime-time show "Don Lemon Tonight" for eight years. Lemon was a prominent figurehead for the network during some of the most defining moments, including the Black Lives Matter Movement and the coronavirus pandemic that gripped the world. He's never shied away from getting down to the nitty-gritty, from asking the tough questions to making controversial statements on air. 

It's almost impossible to imagine Lemon anywhere else but CNN. The Louisiana native has greeted families for their dose of the evening news nearly every night since he began working at the network 17 years ago. He will have to forge new ahead without the network that has hosted him for the majority of his career, however. CNN announced in April 2023 that they would be parting ways with the same man that had often been the face of their network for many years. From allegations of misogynistic behavior to losing his sister tragically, Lemon is no stranger to obstacles in his life. He's got quite the resume as a correspondent, covering Hurricane Katrina and countless natural disasters to earning awards for his reporting on the AIDS epidemic in Africa. He's championed his African American Creole roots and gone the distance when many told him he couldn't. With his career at the time of writing remaining unclear, we're taking a look at some lesser known facts about Don Lemon. 

Don Lemon has pushed through some tough times in the past. On air in 2010, Lemon admitted that he was sexually abused as a child. He publicly shared his story during a CNN segment on Georgia Bishop Eddie Long, who was accused of sexually abusing teenage boys. "I have never admitted this on television," Lemon began. "I am a victim of a pedophile when I was a kid. Someone who was much older than me." He didn't even tell his mother about it until he was 30 years old. 

Lemon also faced his own share of assault allegations. Dustin Hice, a bartender from New York, brought suit against Lemon in 2019, claiming the anchor assaulted him the previous year. Lemon's spokesperson said to USA Today, "The plaintiff in this lawsuit has previously displayed a pattern of contempt for CNN on his social media accounts. This claim follows his unsuccessful threats and demands for an exorbitant amount of money from Don Lemon." 

In 2022, Hice dropped the lawsuit. Through his attorney, he said, "After a lot of inner reflection and a deep dive into my memory, I have come to realize that my recollection of the events that occurred on the night in question when I first met CNN anchor Don Lemon were" (via The Independent). Per the outlet, Hice dropped the suit after learning that he'd be responsible for thousands in legal fees for Lemon, because Hice had not submitted require evidence. In addition, two witnesses contradicted Hice's recollection of the alleged event.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for additional resources.

It's no question that the United States public is often divided by their news affiliation. There are those that refuse to get their news from any other station but Fox, and then there are those who swear by CNN. Thus ensues the long-standing claim that Fox leans right and CNN leans left, something many have speculated on but will never be confirmed if either network wants to uphold its journalistic integrity.

Many have attached Don Lemon to a liberal label during his many years corresponding on CNN, due to his many critiques on Donald Trump. The former "Don Lemon Tonight" host has confronted the accusations that the network has a liberal agenda, however, admitting that it comes down to getting to the bottom of a story. 

While journalists don't often openly tout their political affiliations, Lemon revealed in 2018 that he considers himself an Independent. The former CNN correspondent wasn't always that way, as hard as it may be for some to believe. When he was in college, he was a Republican, voting for Ronald Reagan one time, his support waning in the face of Reagan's handling of the burgeoning AIDS crisis. "People expect me to be liberal because I'm gay," he told GQ. "And I'm not liberal." He also disavows the "conservative" label. "You keep saying I have conservative values. I don't. I think I have values that are important and realistic. And they're not necessarily spoon-fed by someone. I thought out what my values should be."

In addition to his passion for breaking news — Don Lemon has quite an affinity for his wardrobe. The former CNN correspondent was named one of the "Top 10 Best-Dressed Newsmen" by Vanity Fair in 2013, and it's a title he doesn't wear out — literally. The journalist walked his first runway in 2017 at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show where proceeds went to prostate cancer research. In an interview with Fashion Week Daily, Lemon described his style as casual, noting that it's not all about the label. "Less is more. For me, it doesn't have to be a big fashion designer," he admitted, adding, "There's nothing better than a white t-shirt and blue jeans. I like to look great on the air, but I don't like going too high-fashion when I'm on." 

The former CNN correspondent made his own waves in the fashion world when he opted to wear a hoodie over his suit jacket on-air in February 2023. His segment went viral, catching the attention of comedian Stephen Colbert. "I know they want to add some comedy to CNN and this is hilarious, but how do you report the news in that outfit?" Colbert joked at the time. Lemon defended his outfit choice, adding that the network encouraged him to dress comfortably. "If Barack Obama can get criticized for a tan suit, if Volodymyr Zelenskyy can fight a war in a hoodie, if Trayvon Martin can start a revolution in a hoodie, then Don Lemon can tell the news in hooded sweater," Lemon admitted.