Don Lemon reveals sexual harassment by men and women at CNN
- Don Lemon claimed that during his career at CNN, he faced sexual harassment from both men and women.
- He recounted specific incidents, including inappropriate behavior from female colleagues, without reporting the harassment due to perceived double standards.
- These revelations underscore the complexities of workplace harassment and the challenges faced by male victims in reporting such incidents.
In the United States, journalist Don Lemon disclosed allegations of sexual harassment during his time at CNN, where he worked until his dismissal in April 2023. He reported that both male and female colleagues engaged in inappropriate behavior towards him, contributing to a hostile work environment. Specifically, he recounted an incident involving a female colleague who pinched his nipples while joking about the cold temperature in the office. Lemon remarked on the response he believed he would have faced had he engaged in similar behavior towards her, highlighting the perceived double standards regarding gender in workplace harassment. Lemon also shared experiences involving other women at CNN who he felt had harassed him, detailing an uncomfortable situation with a senior female colleague despite his openness about being gay. He suggested that her behavior was peculiar and troubling and ultimately decided against reporting these incidents to management due to concerns over disbelief and possible repercussions against himself. Lemon believes that men face different dynamics regarding workplace harassment, which contributed to his decision to remain silent. Throughout his career, Lemon has previously spoken about being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, which has shaped his perspective on such issues later in life. He has emphasized the differences in how harassment is perceived based on gender and power dynamics in professional settings. Despite acknowledging that some incidents may not rise to the severity of others like high-profile cases, he pointed out the troubling environment that many, including himself, have experienced in the industry. In recent months, Lemon transitioned to hosting an independent podcast on YouTube and has also been involved in legal actions against X owner Elon Musk following a canceled partnership. CNN's response to his harassment allegations was to withhold comment, leaving questions about the company's stance and support for employees facing similar situations. Lemon's revelations bring attention to the need for ongoing conversations around workplace harassment, gender dynamics, and the challenges faced by men who experience such treatment in a traditionally male-dominated media landscape.