In news sure to leave Don Lemon fans feeling sour, the award-winning journalist has been fired from CNN after nearly 20 years of employment.

Details inside.

Easily one of the news channel’s most recognizable faces, Lemon – an openly gay anchor whose staunch views on everything from LGBT+ equality to racial injustice has made him one of TV’s most polarizing newsmen – announced Monday (April 24) he had been canned by CNN.

“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” he shared on social media. “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. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”

Ending on a positive note, however, Don thanked supporters who tuned in to his broadcasts for nearly two decades.

“With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best,” he relayed.

While it’s yet to be reported what may be next for the 57-year-old, his fans know he’s been under intense scrutiny for most of the year for suggesting a 51-year-old female Republican presidential candidate, Nikki Haley, was past her “prime.” Despite his apology, CNN was flooded with complaints that echoed years of allegations he’s received for “ill behavior” toward women.

Sources say executives had long grown weary of the complaints and were allegedly concerned about Lemon’s ability to connect with audiences over the years.

The network’s official response to the termination news came courtesy of the lead executive.

“Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years,” said CNN CEO Chris Licht in a statement. “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”

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