Don Lemon had blasted CNN for not approaching him directly over ‘firing’ him(Picture: Getty)

CNN has denied that it fired long-running news anchor Don Lemon after nearly two decades.

The 57-year-old journalist had confirmed on Twitter on Monday the network had let him go and said he was ‘stunned’ his agent delivered the news.

‘After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,’ he said.

‘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.’

However, CNN has shot down Lemon’s claims about his departure, branding his version of events as ‘inaccurate.’

On Twitter CNN’s communications wrote: ‘Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate.

‘He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.’

After his shock exit was announced, CNN CEO Chris Licht had said in a statement: ‘Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years.

‘We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.’

Lemon joined CNN in September 2006, and has been a staple of the network ever since, presenting a string of shows including the Don Lemon Show and CNN Tonight.

CNN said Lemon was ‘offered an opportunity to meet with management’ but turned it down (Picture: Getty)

In September 2022, he took on hosting duties of CNN This Morning, beside Collins and Harlow.

However, his time on the program wasn’t without controversy and he was forced to apologize in February, after making sexist comments.

In an instalment at the beginning of the year, he sparked backlash while discussing politician Nikki Haley’s comments that politicians over the age of 75 should be subject to mental competency tests.

During the chat, Lemon suggested that Haley is ‘past her prime’ at 51, remarks that attracted a wave of fury.

‘She says … politicians are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s, and maybe 40s,’ he said at the time.

‘That’s not according to me,’ he continued, clarifying his comments.

Lemon first joined CNN in September 2006 (Picture: Getty)

‘If you Google: “When is a woman in her prime,” it’ll say 20s, 30s and 40s. I don’t necessarily… I’m not saying I agree with that. I think she has to be careful.’

Lemon was forced to post an explanation on social media, before being taken off air for a few days.

‘The reference I made to a woman’s “prime” this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it,’ he tweeted.

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‘A woman’s age doesn’t define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.’

Addressing the upset on Twitter ahead of his return to the program, he added: ‘To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better. See you soon.’

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Lemon first joined the network in 2006.