Image Credit: Chrome Images
Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo were once CNN’s dynamic duo, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry and hard-hitting news commentary. Their friendship, both on and off camera, was a subject of intrigue for viewers and media watchers alike. However, recent network changes and personal controversies have led many to wonder: are Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo still friends in 2023?
This article delves into the journey of these two prominent journalists, from their time as CNN colleagues to their current career paths. We’ll explore their shared history, the events that led to their departures from CNN, and the impact these changes had on their relationship. By examining their public statements and post-CNN careers, we aim to shed light on the current status of their friendship and what it means for the world of broadcast journalism.
The CNN Days: A Look Back at Their On-Screen Chemistry
Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo’s on-screen chemistry at CNN was a highlight of the network’s primetime lineup. Their nightly handoff between shows became a popular segment, generating significant social media buzz. Viewers were drawn to their playful banter and willingness to poke fun at each other on live television, reminiscent of the dynamic between Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin during CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage.
Also Visit: Everything You Need to Know About Kelly Reilly and Her Husband
Their popular segments together
The pair’s nightly “handoff” often featured Lemon and Cuomo sharing anecdotes about their vacations and professing their love for each other. This camaraderie led to the creation of a 23-episode CNN podcast titled “The Handoff,” hosted by the self-described “brothers.” Their ability to have fun and not take themselves too seriously, even during live broadcasts, endeared them to fans.
Shared experiences as CNN anchors
As CNN anchors, Lemon and Cuomo developed a close bond that translated into their on-screen rapport. Their shared experiences in the high-pressure world of broadcast journalism allowed them to support each other both professionally and personally. This connection was evident in their interactions, which often included inside jokes and playful teasing.
Public displays of friendship
The duo’s friendship extended beyond the studio, with Lemon and Cuomo frequently seen together at social events. They shared Hamptons hangouts and posted Instagram selfies, further solidifying their public image as close friends. Their near-nightly exchange of “I love yous” during their on-air primetime handoffs became a trademark of their relationship, captivating audiences and contributing to their popularity among CNN viewers.
The Fall from Grace: Cuomo and Lemon’s Departures from CNN
Circumstances behind Cuomo’s firing
Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN came to an abrupt end in December 2021. The network terminated him after an investigation revealed he had violated journalistic ethics by assisting his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in navigating sexual harassment allegations. Initially suspended, Cuomo was later fired by then-CNN President Jeff Zucker. The anchor’s involvement in his brother’s political affairs was more extensive than previously known, including offering advice on public statements and attempting to uncover information about pending articles at other news outlets.
Lemon’s controversial exit
Don Lemon’s departure from CNN in April 2023 was equally dramatic. After 17 years with the network, Lemon was stunned to learn of his termination through his talent agent. His exit followed a series of controversial incidents, including remarks about women and aging that were widely perceived as sexist. These comments led to a public rebuke from CNN CEO Chris Licht and a decline in Lemon’s popularity with audiences. Additionally, tensions emerged between Lemon and his co-anchor Kaitlan Collins during their time on “CNN This Morning.”
Impact on their relationship
The fall from grace of both anchors has had a significant impact on their once-close friendship. Cuomo’s legal actions against CNN have dragged Lemon into the fray, with Cuomo citing Lemon’s alleged ethical breaches in his arbitration filings. This attempt to use Lemon’s actions to bolster his own case has strained their relationship. Furthermore, Lemon publicly opposed any severance payment for Cuomo during a staff meeting, arguing that it would send the wrong message to journalists and the public. These events have effectively ended their once-celebrated on-air bromance, leaving their friendship in tatters.
Also Visit: Big Booty Femboy: Achieving the Perfect Curves
Post-CNN Careers: Diverging Paths and Public Statements
Cuomo’s move to NewsNation
After his departure from CNN, Chris Cuomo found a new home at NewsNation, a channel aiming to compete with major news networks. His show, simply titled “Cuomo,” airs weeknights and features commentary on current events. In a nod to his past, Cuomo occasionally hosts familiar faces from the cable news world, such as Bill O’Reilly. The show attempts to evoke a less partisan era of cable news, with Cuomo engaging in discussions on topics like homelessness in San Francisco.
Lemon’s brief stint with X (Twitter)
Don Lemon’s post-CNN career took an unexpected turn when he partnered with X (formerly Twitter). The platform announced a deal with Lemon in January, declaring X a “video-first platform.” However, this venture was short-lived. After filming an interview with Elon Musk, which became tense and awkward, Musk abruptly terminated the contract. Lemon has since filed a lawsuit against Musk and X, claiming fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract.
Comments about each other in interviews
The once-close friendship between Cuomo and Lemon has significantly cooled since their CNN departures. In an arbitration filing against CNN, Cuomo cited Lemon’s alleged ethical breaches to bolster his own case. Lemon, for his part, opposed any severance payment for Cuomo during a staff meeting at CNN. Despite this, Lemon stated in a podcast interview, “It’s not that we’re not friends. I just haven’t spoken to him. We needed a little break, but I love Chris.” However, sources close to both men indicate that their friendship is effectively over, with Cuomo reportedly hurt by Lemon’s lack of support following his firing.
Current Status of Their Friendship in 2023
Recent interactions or lack thereof
The once-close friendship between Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon has significantly cooled since their departures from CNN. Sources close to both men indicate that their relationship is effectively over. Cuomo reportedly feels hurt by Lemon’s lack of support following his firing. In a recent podcast interview, Lemon stated, “It’s not that we’re not friends. I just haven’t spoken to him. We needed a little break, but I love Chris.” Despite these words, the two haven’t communicated since Cuomo’s termination in 2021.
Social media activity
The former colleagues’ social media activity reflects their strained relationship. Once known for sharing Instagram selfies and documenting their Hamptons hangouts, Cuomo and Lemon’s online interactions have ceased. Their previously frequent displays of affection and support for each other on social platforms have become noticeably absent, further suggesting a rift in their friendship.
Insider reports on their relationship
Industry insiders have shed light on the current state of Cuomo and Lemon’s relationship. Cuomo specifically called out Lemon in his arbitration filing against CNN, citing Lemon’s alleged ethical breaches to bolster his own case. This move has further strained their bond. Additionally, during a CNN staff meeting following Jeff Zucker’s resignation, Lemon openly opposed any severance payment for Cuomo, arguing it would send the wrong message to journalists and the public. These actions have effectively ended their once-celebrated on-air bromance, leaving their friendship in tatters.
Also Visit: Top Tips for Becoming a Successful Amazon Product Reviewer
Conclusion
The once-celebrated friendship between Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo has undergone a significant transformation in 2023. Their departure from CNN has had an impact on their relationship, leading to a cooling of their once-warm bond. The legal actions and public statements made by both parties have further strained their connection, leaving their friendship in a precarious state.
As both journalists navigate their post-CNN careers, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. While Lemon has expressed a lingering affection for Cuomo, the lack of communication and public support suggests a deeper rift. This situation serves as a reminder of how professional upheavals can affect personal relationships, even those that once seemed unshakeable in the public eye.
FAQs
1. Do Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo still maintain their friendship as of 2023?
Don Lemon expressed in a podcast interview with Mediaite that while he and Chris Cuomo haven’t been in contact recently, he still holds affection for Chris and his family. He mentioned, “It’s not that we’re not friends. I just haven’t spoken to him. We needed a little break, but I love Chris. I love Chris, I love his family, very close to his family, but we have not spoken, no.”
2. What are the current viewer ratings for Chris Cuomo’s show?
Chris Cuomo’s show on NewsNation, titled ‘Cuomo,’ is the network’s highest-rated program in terms of total viewers and adults aged 25-54. It ranks 73rd and 65th respectively, drawing 165,000 total viewers and 22,000 in the 25-54 age group.
3. Is Chris Cuomo considered a millionaire?
Yes, Chris Cuomo’s estimated net worth is around $50 million. He earns an annual salary of $6 million as a news anchor at NewsNation. Chris joined NewsNation in 2022 following his departure from CNN amid controversy involving assistance to his brother Andrew Cuomo during a sexual harassment scandal.
4. What is Chris Cuomo’s current occupation?
Chris Cuomo is currently the anchor for NewsNation’s evening show ‘CUOMO,’ which airs weeknights at 8 p.m. ET. He started this role in July 2022, bringing over twenty years of experience as an investigative journalist and television news anchor.
