Legacy media anchor Don Lemon won’t appear on “CNN This Morning” on Monday after saying that 51-year-old Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley wasn’t “in her prime” following her 2024 White House bid last week.

Lemon had initially appeared on the schedule to anchor the show with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. However, according to a copy of the CNN anchor schedule obtained and reviewed by Confider, officials at the network appear to have benched Lemon. Instead, they will have Sara Snider anchoring with Harlow in New York and Collins in Poland.

A source familiar with the matter told the news outlet that Lemon’s future on the show is being discussed in “ongoing conversations.”

“He is a constant distraction,” the source told Confider.

A CNN spokesperson denied the reporting to Mediaite, saying Lemon was “taking the holiday” due to paparazzi harassment — although they did not specifically deny he would be out on Monday.

“He is taking the holiday. He’s been chased by paparazzi all weekend,” the spokesperson said. “He’s been under attack. He’s not ready to go back on air.”

During the CNN morning show on Thursday, Lemon said, “Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry, when a woman is in their prime [is] in [her] 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”

Lemon’s co-host Poppy Harlow knew the comment would create a stir and asked him to clarify. “What are you talking — Wait … prime for what?”


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