Former CNN host Don Lemon recently launched into a controversial and passionate critique, attributing mass violence in America to what he perceives as issues stemming from white men.
“White men, are you okay? You’re dispatching troops and the National Guard to various cities,” Lemon expressed during a recent episode of his podcast. “You often focus on cities like Chicago and the topic of black-on-black crime. My question is: White men, are you okay? Because that is the core issue here.”
“This nation continues to awaken to scenes of bodies in churches, bloodshed in public areas, and the individuals behind these acts almost always share a similar demographic,” he remarked.
The 59-year-old, who is in a same-sex marriage with a white man, reiterated his stance, stating, “I’m just speaking the truth, and your anger won’t change that.”
Lemon unleashed this intense narrative while discussing the recent deployment of federal troops to cities led by Democratic leadership, as well as the recent mass shootings in North Carolina and Michigan that occurred over the weekend.
“White men, there’s something deeply flawed within, with so many believing that violence is the solution. Are you paying attention?” he asked. “I hope I’m loud enough for those in the back to hear.”
His comments targeting white men sparked considerable backlash on social media, with numerous users sharing clips from his podcast, calling him out for racially charged remarks.
“Don Lemon asserts that white men are ‘broken’ and think ‘violence is the solution,’” Libs of TikTok stated on X. “This is a clear example of racially motivated sentiment.”
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson commented that Lemon exhibited a “full-blown racist meltdown” regarding white men and noted his marriage to Malone.
Many labeled him a hypocrite for his remarks considering his romantic relationship with Malone and shared images of the couple in discussions surrounding his statements.
Lemon and Malone, 40, tied the knot last year in an extravagant ceremony at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, five years after their engagement in 2019.
Previously, Lemon was a prominent anchor for CNN’s primetime and morning shows but was unexpectedly let go amid several scandals that surrounded him.
He claimed to have been blindsided by his termination and stated that he learned about it from his agent in a post on X during that time.
“This morning my agent informed me of my termination from CNN. I am shocked that after 17 years, someone in management didn’t have the decency to notify me directly,” Lemon expressed.
“At no point was I given any indication that my work at the network was in jeopardy. It’s evident there are broader issues at play.”
However, CNN issued a statement contesting his claims, stating that “his narrative regarding this morning’s events is not accurate.”
“He was given a chance to discuss matters with management but opted to release a statement on social media instead.”
Prior to his dismissal, Lemon faced backlash for comments he made on air about GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, stating she was “not in her prime.”
He also faced scrutiny for reportedly yelling at co-host Kaitlan Collins off-camera during an incident that reportedly left the team unsettled.
Following his exit from CNN, Elon Musk extended an offer for a show on X last year, but Musk canceled the show before it could air. This decision came shortly after a tense interview intended as the show’s launch episode.
Since leaving traditional media, Lemon has transitioned into being an independent media figure, hosting the podcast titled “The Don Lemon Show.”
