CNN host Don Lemon says TV network fired him.

Don Lemon poses while attending the Michael Kors show during the New York Fashion Week
in New York City, New York, U.S., February 15, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

 WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) - Cable television network CNN has fired longtime host Don Lemon, the news anchor said in a post on Twitter on Monday, adding he was "stunned" by the step and that he was not directly informed of the termination by the network.

"I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned," Lemon said.

"After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network," he added.

In a statement of its own, CNN said the network and Lemon had parted ways. CNN also added that Lemon was offered a chance to meet with the network's management but that he instead released a statement on his personal Twitter account. The network described Lemon's version of events as "inaccurate."

Neither statement gave a reason for Lemon's departure.

Lemon faced severe criticism earlier this year when he said on air that a woman's prime is in her 20s, 30s or "maybe her 40s." He had made the remarks in response to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's claim that people over the age of 75 who wish to serve in the White House should prove mental competence. He later apologized for the comments.

In an apparent response to Lemon's departure from CNN, Haley tweeted on Monday: "A great day for women everywhere."

Lemon was on the air earlier on Monday for the "CNN This Morning" show.

CNN's top boss, Chris Licht, said the show, which Lemon hosted with journalists Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, will continue and CNN was "committed to its success."

CNN is owned by Warner Bros Discovery Inc (WBD.O).

Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; editing by Susan Heavey.