Don Lemon: A Closer Look At The Renowned Journalist's Life And Career

How Much is Don Lemon Worth?

Let’s talk about Don Lemon, the American TV journalist and news anchor who has built a career that's nothing short of impressive. With a net worth of $20 million, Don Lemon has carved out a name for himself as one of the most recognizable faces in journalism. He’s best known for his time at CNN, where he hosted the show “Don Lemon Tonight” from 2014 to 2022. Over the years, Don has earned numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, and he’s recognized as one of the most influential African Americans and LGBTQ figures in broadcasting. But, in April 2023, CNN made the decision to part ways with Don after 17 years, citing a decline in ratings and controversies surrounding his tenure. However, CNN reportedly paid him a hefty $24.5 million settlement, which covered the remaining 3.5 years of his contract.

Don’s CNN Years: Salary and Settlement

During his peak years at CNN, Don Lemon was pulling in a cool $7 million annually. This figure was confirmed in February 2024 when CNN agreed to a $24.5 million settlement after firing Don. The settlement represented the total amount Don was owed under the remaining 3.5 years of his contract. CNN clearly valued Don's work, but his departure marked a significant shift in the network’s strategy. Despite the high-profile exit, Don's contributions to journalism and his influence on American media remain undeniable.

From CNN to Twitter: The Bumpy Ride

After CNN, Don Lemon inked a deal with Elon Musk’s Twitter, which offered him a base salary of $1.5 million per year, along with a share of ad revenue. However, the partnership didn’t last long. Don’s interview with Elon Musk, where he questioned the billionaire about alleged drug use and content moderation plans, didn’t sit well with the tech mogul. Just a day after the interview, Elon texted Don’s agent to cancel the contract. Don Lemon, not one to back down, responded by filing a breach of contract lawsuit against both Elon Musk and Twitter in August 2024. It's been a whirlwind journey for Don, but he’s no stranger to controversy or resilience.

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Don Lemon’s Early Days: A Journey from Baton Rouge to Brooklyn

Donald Carlton Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up in a Creole household, Don showed early signs of leadership, even being elected class president during his senior year of high school. In 2010, he shared a deeply personal story during an on-air interview, revealing that he had been sexually molested at the age of five by a teenage boy. This trauma stayed with him until he was 30, when he finally opened up about it. Don's journey to becoming a journalist began at Louisiana State University before he transferred to Brooklyn College in New York, where he majored in journalism. During his time in college, he gained hands-on experience working as a news assistant at a Fox News affiliate station in New York. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his illustrious career.

A Career Shaped by Hard Work and Controversy

Before landing at CNN, Don worked for various Fox News affiliates, NBC in Philadelphia and Chicago, and several affiliate stations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. He started as a correspondent but quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a weekend news anchor and investigative reporter. His big break came when he joined NBC News’ New York City hub, where he appeared on “Today” and “NBC Nightly News” while anchoring “Weekend Today” on MSNBC. Don’s coverage of the D.C. sniper attacks in 2002 earned him an Edward R. Murrow Award, and his reporting on Hurricane Katrina further cemented his reputation as a dedicated journalist. By 2003, he had relocated to Chicago, where he won three Emmys for his work at WMAQ-TV, including a memorable feature on Craigslist and a report on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.

In 2006, Don joined CNN, where he became a household name. Known for his strong opinions and unapologetic style, Don often found himself at the center of controversy. He has made headlines with comments that some found provocative, and he’s even received death threats over the years. Despite the challenges, Don remained a prominent figure in journalism until his firing in 2023. His time at CNN was marked by both triumphs and turbulence, but his impact on the industry is undeniable.

Don vs. Trump: The Political Divide

After Donald Trump's election in 2016, Don Lemon became increasingly vocal about his political views on CNN. He accused Trump of racism and ties to white supremacy, sparking heated debates. After the 2020 elections, Don continued to criticize Trump and his supporters, sometimes drawing criticism for his approach. One particularly controversial moment occurred when Don and two guests mocked Trump supporters with fake Southern accents, leading to accusations of unprofessionalism. Ivanka Trump responded on Twitter, pointing out the irony of mocking half the country while lamenting division. This incident highlighted the polarizing nature of Don’s commentary during his time at CNN.

Personal Life: Love and Courage

In 2011, Don Lemon publicly came out as gay in his memoir “Transparent,” revealing that he had known he was gay since childhood. He shared his story of sexual abuse as a child, reminding the public that he had been open about his sexuality with friends and family for years. This announcement made him one of the few openly gay African Americans in broadcasting, further cementing his status as a trailblazer. In 2017, Don began dating Tim Malone, a real estate agent, and the couple became engaged in 2019. Don’s personal life reflects his courage to live authentically, even in the public eye.

Legal Troubles: A Bartender’s Accusation

In 2019, a bartender named Dustin Hice accused Don Lemon of assault, alleging that Don had rubbed his own genitals and then shoved his fingers in the bartender's face. The incident reportedly took place in 2018, and Hice claimed that Don had offered to settle out of court for six-figure sums. However, Don has publicly denied all of Hice’s claims, maintaining his innocence. Legal issues like this one have added another layer of complexity to Don’s public persona.

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Real Estate Ventures: Harlem and the Hamptons

Don Lemon’s real estate portfolio includes a chic condo in Harlem, which he listed for sale in 2020 for $1.75 million. The 1,400-square-foot unit features two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and panoramic views of Harlem from its large balcony. Don originally purchased the condo for $1.5 million, so he was likely aiming to break even on the sale. In addition to his Harlem residence, Don owns a home in Sag Harbor, part of the Hamptons, which he bought in 2016 for $3 million. Today, the property is estimated to be worth $4.5 million, showcasing Don’s savvy approach to real estate investment.