Don Lemon Bio, Age, Gay, Career, Net Worth, CNN Firing, Arrest & Controversy

Don Lemon stands as one of the most polarizing yet pioneering figures in modern American journalism—a gay Black man who shattered glass ceilings at CNN for 17 years before his dramatic 2023 firing transformed him into an independent media entrepreneur. From his humble beginnings in Baton Rouge to becoming the face of primetime cable news, this award-winning journalist has navigated controversy, personal trauma, and professional reinvention with remarkable resilience.

At 59 years 10 months old and with a net worth of $20 million, Lemon’s journey from CNN anchor to X platform host to recently arrested journalist encapsulates the tumultuous evolution of media in the digital age, making him both a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation and a case study in the precarious nature of modern broadcasting careers.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth and Family Background

Donald Carlton Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Katherine Clark, a single working mother. His biological father, known only as Mr. Richardson, played a positive role in his early life despite not being married to his mother. Don grew up with his two sisters, Yma and Leisa, in west Baton Rouge and Port Allen, living with their mother and grandmother until 1976 when his mother remarried.

Lemon’s childhood was marked by both strong family support and profound trauma. At age five, he was sexually abused by a teenage male neighbor—a experience he publicly disclosed in his 2011 memoir Transparent. This early trauma, combined with his experiences growing up Black and gay in the South, would later inform his advocacy and on-air commentary about race, sexuality, and trauma.

Education Journey

Louisiana State University (1984-?)

• Enrolled in 1984 but did not complete degree
• Left to pursue broadcasting career in New York City

Brooklyn College, City University of New York

• Moved to New York City in 1990
• Earned Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 1996
• Worked as news assistant at Fox affiliate WNYW while attending college
• Currently serves on Brooklyn College Board of Trustees

Career Journey

Early Career (1991-2003)

New York City Beginnings (1991-1996)

• WNYW (Fox 5 New York): News assistant while attending college
• Learned fundamentals of television production and reporting

Birmingham, Alabama (1996-?)

• WBRC-TV: Weekend anchor at Fox affiliate
• First on-camera role, establishing on-air presence

St. Louis, Missouri

• KTVI-TV (Fox 2): Anchor and investigative reporter
• Developed investigative journalism skills

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• WCAU-TV (NBC 10): Weekend anchor and general assignment reporter
• Transitioned to NBC affiliation, gaining network exposure

NBC News Career (2003-2006)

WMAQ-TV Chicago (2003-2006)

• Co-anchored 5 p.m. newscast at NBC-owned station
• Major Awards:
• Emmy Award: Special report on Chicago real estate market
• Self-financed reporting trip to Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania (2005)
• Emmy Award: Coverage of AIDS pandemic in Africa
• Emmy Award: Hurricane Katrina coverage

NBC Network (2003-2006)

• Correspondent for Today show and NBC Nightly News
• Guest anchor on Weekend Today
• Regular appearances on MSNBC
• Covered major stories including Space Shuttle Columbia explosion and SARS outbreak in Canada

CNN Career (2006-2023)

Joining CNN (2006)

• Hired as correspondent and weekend anchor for CNN Newsroom in Atlanta
• One of the first Black anchors in prominent CNN roles

Rise to Prominence (2006-2014)

• Weekend primetime anchor
• On-the-scene reporter for breaking news
• Covered: 2011 Japan earthquake/tsunami, Arab Spring, death of Osama bin Laden
• Anchored documentary Race and Rage: The Beating of Rodney King (2011)

“CNN Tonight” / “Don Lemon Tonight” (2014-2022)

• 2014: Launched primetime show CNN Tonight
• 2021: Renamed Don Lemon Tonight
• Known for “No Talking Points” segment holding politicians accountable
• Final broadcast: October 2022

“CNN This Morning” (2022-2023)

• November 2022: Moved to morning show as co-anchor with poppy harlow and kaitlan collins
• Demotion from primetime seen as punishment for declining ratings

CNN Firing (April 24, 2023)

The Controversy:

• February 2023: Suspended for on-air comments about Nikki Haley
• Stated women are “in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s”
• Widely criticized as sexist and ageist
• Underwent “formal training” and apologized
• April 5, 2023: Variety exposé published
• Alleged 15+ years of misogynistic behavior
• Accused of threatening co-host Kyra Phillips (2008)
• Alleged derogatory comments about Soledad O’Brien
• “Diva-like behavior” claims from dozen+ colleagues
• April 24, 2023: Fired from CNN after 17 years
• Lemon claimed he was informed by agent, not management
• CNN disputed his account, said he refused meeting
• Fired same day as tucker carlson at Fox News

Settlement:

• February 2024: CNN paid $24.5 million settlement
• Represented full 3.5 years remaining on contract
• Equivalent to $7 million/year salary

Post-CNN Career (2023-Present)

The Don Lemon Show on X (2024)

• January 2024: Announced partnership with X (formerly Twitter)
• March 2024: Canceled by elon musk before premiere
• 90-minute “testy” interview with Musk
• Asked about ketamine use and content moderation
• Musk texted “contract is canceled” next day
• Lemon filed $1.5 million breach of contract lawsuit (August 2024)

Independent Media (2024-Present)

• Launched independent media company
• “The Don Lemon Show” streams on YouTube and other platforms
• Three 30-minute episodes per week
• Covers politics, culture, sports, entertainment

Recent Arrest (January 2026)

• January 29, 2026: Arrested at Beverly Hills Hotel
• Covering anti-ICE protests in Minnesota
• Detained by FBI and Homeland Security agents
• First journalist arrested under Trump administration’s expanded immigration enforcement
• Released, charges pending

Personal Life

Coming Out and Advocacy

2011: Public Coming Out

• Released memoir Transparent
• Became one of the first openly gay Black anchors on national television
• Disclosed childhood sexual abuse
• Immediate role model for LGBTQ+ journalists of color

Advocacy Work:

• Keynote speaker at National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (2011)
• Visibility Award from Human Rights Campaign (2012)
• Active supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice causes

Marriage to Tim Malone

Relationship Timeline:

• 2016: Began dating Tim Malone
• April 2019: Engaged on Malone’s birthday
• April 6, 2024: Married in New York City
• Ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
• Reception at The Rainbow Room
• 140 guests including matt lauer, Katie Couric, Joy Behar, Tamron Hall

Tim Malone (Born ~1984):

• Real estate agent with The Corcoran Group
• Former executive director for brand partnerships at Billboard
• Boston College graduate (history and communications)
• Marathon runner (completed Boston and NYC Marathons multiple times)
• Instagram: @Timpmalonenyc (40,000+ followers)
• Posted photo with Barack and Michelle Obama (2019)

Family Relationships

Sisters:

• Yma Lemon: Older sister
• Leisa Lemon: Older sister
• Close relationship with both siblings

Mother:

• Katherine Clark: Worked multiple jobs to support family
• Strong influence on Lemon’s work ethic

Pets:

• Two dogs: Boomer and Barkley
• Frequently featured on social media

Lifestyle and Habits

Health and Fitness:

• Avid runner and marathon participant
• Maintains strict fitness regimen
• Recovered from COVID-19 (breakthrough case, 2021)

Real Estate:

• Harlem Condos: Previously owned two units (sold one for $970,000 in 2016, retained $1.75M unit)
• Hamptons Home: Current primary residence, estimated $4.5 million
• New York City: Maintains Manhattan residence

Daily Routine:

• Early riser (former morning show habit)
• Active on social media (Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok)
• Regular appearances at high-profile events

Controversies

CNN Firing and Misogyny Allegations (2023)

Variety Exposé Claims:

• Threatened Kyra Phillips over assignment (2008)
• Mocked Nancy Grace on air
• Derogatory comments about Soledad O’Brien hosting Black in America
• “Diva-like behavior” and interest in power
• Treatment of female colleagues described as “denigrating”

Lemon’s Response:

• Called allegations “unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip”
• Denied wrongdoing
• Claimed firing was retaliation for union activities or discrimination

Nikki Haley Comments (February 2023)

The Incident:

• On CNN This Morning, discussed Nikki Haley’s presidential candidacy
• Stated: “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry. When a woman is considered to be in their prime — in their 20s, 30s, and maybe her 40s”
• Co-anchor Poppy Harlow challenged him immediately

Fallout:

• Suspended from air
• Required to undergo “formal training”
• Apologized publicly
• Contributed to eventual firing

Elon Musk/X Controversy (2024)

The Interview:

• 90-minute conversation with Musk
• Asked about ketamine use for depression
• Questioned content moderation on X
• Musk appeared uncomfortable, bristled at questions

Cancellation:

• Text from Musk to agent: “Contract is canceled”
• X claimed “lack of authenticity,” alleged Lemon was mouthpiece for Jeff Zucker
• Lemon filed $1.5 million lawsuit for breach of contract

January 2026 Arrest

The Incident:

• Covering anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church
• Arrested at Beverly Hills Hotel by FBI/Homeland Security
• First journalist arrested under expanded Trump immigration policies
• Busta Rhymes had praised him hours earlier at pre-Grammys party: “We need to protect Don at all costs”

Legal Status:

• Released pending charges
• Potential implications for press freedom
• Lemon stated he was “doing his legally protected job”

Awards & Achievements

Journalism Awards

Recognition and Honors

• 2009: Ebony Power 150 (150 most influential African Americans)
• 2011: Keynote speaker, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
• 2012: Visibility Award, Human Rights Campaign
• 2012: The Root’s Top 20 Movers and Shakers
• Native Son Award: Recognition for LGBTQ+ advocacy
• Out Magazine: Multiple features on influential LGBTQ+ people
• Queerty Magazine: Honors for journalism and advocacy

Books

• 2011: Transparent (memoir)
• Came out as gay
• Disclosed childhood sexual abuse
• Discussed colorism in Black community
• 2021: This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism
• National bestseller
• Essays on race and social justice

Physical Statistics

Lemon maintains a polished, professional appearance typical of network news anchors—well-tailored suits, conservative ties for evening broadcasts, more casual attire for morning shows and independent content.

Quotes

1. On Coming Out (2011):
   “I think it would be good if everybody could be out. But it’s such a personal choice. People have to do it at their own speed. I did it because I felt like I couldn’t not do it anymore.”
2. On CNN Firing (2023):
   “I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”
3. On Elon Musk Cancellation (2024):
   “His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.”
4. On January 2026 Arrest:
   “I’m a journalist. I was doing my job. This is about the First Amendment.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Current Net Worth (2026)

Estimated Net Worth: $20 million (Celebrity Net Worth, January 2026)

Income Sources

CNN Settlement (2024):

• $24.5 million lump sum payment
• Represented 3.5 years of remaining contract
• Equivalent to $7 million/year salary

Former CNN Salary:

• $7 million annually at peak
• One of highest-paid CNN anchors
• Primetime hosting premium

Current Earnings (Independent):

• YouTube/X Revenue: Variable based on views
• Speaking Fees: $50,000-$100,000 per appearance
• Book Royalties: This Is the Fire continues to sell
• Potential Lawsuit Win: $1.5 million if successful against Musk/X

Real Estate Holdings:

• Hamptons Home: $4.5 million (current residence)
• Harlem Condo: $1.75 million (investment property)

Financial Evolution

Salary Comparison

• CNN Era: $7 million/year (top 1% of TV journalists)
• Current: Variable, estimated $500K-$1M/year from independent work
• Settlement Impact: $24.5M payment secured financial future regardless of career trajectory

Interesting Facts

1. First Openly Gay Black Anchor: One of the first nationally prominent Black journalists to come out publicly, becoming immediate LGBTQ+ role model.
2. Self-Funded Africa Trip: Paid for his own reporting trip to Africa in 2005, winning Emmy for AIDS coverage.
3. Same-Day Firing: Fired from CNN on exact same day (April 24, 2023) as Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News.
4. Never Sent Email: Claimed in 2015 he had never sent an email, preferring phone calls and face-to-face communication.
5. Marathon Runner: Completed multiple marathons including New York City Marathon.
6. Sexual Abuse Survivor: Publicly disclosed childhood abuse at age 5 in memoir, becoming advocate for survivors.
7. Colorism Commentary: Wrote extensively about discrimination within Black community based on skin tone.
8. Trump Feud: Engaged in public feuds with Donald Trump, who called him “the dumbest man on television.”
9. Busta Rhymes Connection: Hours before January 2026 arrest, Busta Rhymes publicly praised him at pre-Grammys party saying “We need to protect Don at all costs.”
10. Brooklyn College Trustee: Serves on board of his alma mater, giving back to educational institution that launched his career.

Did You Know?

• Don Lemon was sexually abused at age 5 by a teenage neighbor, which he disclosed in his 2011 memoir Transparent.
• He was fired from CNN on the same day as Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News (April 24, 2023).
• Lemon paid for his own reporting trip to Africa in 2005, which earned him an Emmy Award.
• He received a $24.5 million settlement from CNN in 2024, representing the full value of his remaining contract.
• Lemon was one of the first openly gay Black anchors on national cable television.
• He filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Elon Musk and X for breach of contract after his show was canceled before premiere.
• Don Lemon was arrested in January 2026 while covering anti-ICE protests, the first journalist arrested under expanded Trump immigration policies.
• He married Tim Malone in April 2024 at a star-studded ceremony with 140 guests including Katie Couric and Joy Behar.
• Lemon won three Emmy Awards for local reporting in Chicago before joining CNN.
• He started his career as a news assistant at Fox affiliate WNYW while attending Brooklyn College.

Social Media Links

Stay connected with Don Lemon through official channels:

• Official Website: https://www.donlemon.com
• X/Twitter: @donlemon
• Instagram: @donlemon
• YouTube: The Don Lemon Show
• TikTok: @donlemon
• Facebook: Don Lemon Official
• LinkedIn: Don Lemon Professional Profile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How old is Don Lemon in 2026?
A: Don Lemon is 59 years old, born on March 1, 1966. He will turn 60 in March 2026.

Q: Who is Don Lemon’s husband?
A: Don Lemon married Tim Malone on April 6, 2024. Malone is a real estate agent with The Corcoran Group and former Billboard executive. They had been dating since 2016 and got engaged in 2019.

Q: Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?
A: Lemon was fired from CNN on April 24, 2023, after 17 years with the network. The firing followed controversial on-air comments about Nikki Haley being past her “prime” and a Variety exposé alleging years of misogynistic behavior toward female colleagues. CNN never officially stated the reason, but paid him a $24.5 million settlement in February 2024.

Q: What is Don Lemon’s net worth?
A: As of 2026, Don Lemon’s estimated net worth is $20 million. This includes a $24.5 million settlement from CNN, real estate holdings including a $4.5 million Hamptons home, and earnings from his independent media ventures.

Q: What happened with Don Lemon and Elon Musk?
A: After being fired from CNN, Lemon announced a show on X (Twitter) in January 2024. Following a tense 90-minute interview with Musk where Lemon asked about ketamine use and content moderation, Musk canceled the partnership before the show premiered. Lemon filed a $1.5 million breach of contract lawsuit in August 2024.

Q: Was Don Lemon arrested?
A: Yes, Don Lemon was arrested on January 29, 2026, at the Beverly Hills Hotel while covering anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. He was detained by FBI and Homeland Security agents, becoming the first journalist arrested under the Trump administration’s expanded immigration enforcement policies. He was later released pending charges.

Q: What awards has Don Lemon won?
A: Don Lemon has won an Edward R. Murrow Award (2002) for coverage of the Washington, D.C. snipers, three regional Emmy Awards for Chicago reporting, and a Native Son Award. He was named to Ebony magazine’s Power 150 list and The Root’s Top 20 Movers and Shakers.

Q: Is Don Lemon still working as a journalist?
A: Yes, after leaving CNN, Lemon launched “The Don Lemon Show” as an independent media venture streaming on YouTube and other platforms. He continues to cover politics, culture, and breaking news, though his January 2026 arrest has raised questions about press freedom.

Conclusion

Don Lemon’s journey from a news assistant in New York City to one of CNN’s most recognizable faces, and now to independent journalist and First Amendment test case, reflects the dramatic transformations reshaping American media. At 59 years old and with a $20 million net worth, Lemon has survived career upheaval, public controversy, and legal challenges that would have ended lesser careers.

His pioneering role as an openly gay Black journalist opened doors for LGBTQ+ representation in news media, while his recent arrest underscores the precarious position of journalists in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Whether viewed as a trailblazer who spoke truth to power or a controversial figure whose outspoken nature proved his undoing, Lemon’s impact on broadcast journalism is undeniable.

As he navigates his independent media career and potential legal battles, Don Lemon remains a compelling figure—one whose story embodies both the possibilities and perils of modern journalism. His ability to reinvent himself after CNN suggests that even in an era of media upheaval, authentic voices can find new platforms, even if those platforms come with new risks.

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