Don Lemon allegedly sent threatening text messages to a co-anchor in 2008. According to unidentify individuals who spoke to Variety, the texts warn that the co-anchor will “pay for it.”
CNN anchor Don Lemon sent threatening text
When it was reveal by Variety that CNN and Don Lemon’s a television journalist star anchor sent anonymous. Threaten messages to then-co-anchor Kyra Phillips after she was hire for a 2008 reporting job in Iraq. That he covet for himself, CNN and Lemon are fighting back.
Lemon’s first hosting position at the news giant was co-hosting CNN’s “Live From” at the time. According to two unnamed insiders who work there at the time.
According to the reports, “tensions” between the two were caus by Don Lemon ‘s “provocative” actions.
The alleged animosity reach
The alleged animosity reach a boil point when Don Lemon “coveted” Phillips’ report assignment to Iraq. Variety stated, and he protest that he was passed over for the position.
While Phillips was out from the office, according to two people who spoke to Variety. Lemon tore up notes and photos on top of and inside Phillips’ desk in their shared news pod.
When Phillips returned to the US, she got two anonymous, threatening texts telling her she had “stepped the line” and would “pay for it”. According to Variety, citing the sources. She receive the first text while out to dinner with coworkers, according to Variety.
The messages were identified as coming from Lemon when the problem was escalat to higher-ups at CNN. The two persons who were employed there at the time told Variety.
According to Variety, this spark an HR inquiry into Lemon. Which result to his removal from the air in his co-staring role with Phillips and placement on weekend shows.
But, Lemon said in a statement that he never sent the texts.
“The narrative, which is replete with demonstrably untrue tales and without any supporting data. Solely based on unsourced, unsupported, anonymous rumours from 15 years ago. It’s amazing and upsetting that Variety would act in such a careless manner “In a statement provided to Insider, Lemon stated.
CNN said in a statement to Insider that Lemon “was never advise of any inquiry” connect to the event Variety recounted.
A CNN representative stated that “CNN cannot confirm the claimed events from 15 years ago,” noting that Lemon has stated the “incident never occurred.”