Don Lemon CNN, Bio, Age, Husband, Lawsuit, Net Worth
Don Lemon Biography
Who is Don Lemon?
Don Renaldo Lemon-Clark, born March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, became a prominent American journalist. He studied at Louisiana State University before earning his BA in broadcast journalism from Brooklyn College. Early in his career, he anchored weekend news in Alabama and Pennsylvania. He then worked for Fox affiliates in St. Louis and Chicago before joining NBC, contributing to Today and NBC Nightly News.
Lemon joined CNN in 2006. He hosted Don Lemon Tonight from 2014 until 2022. Later he co‐anchored CNN This Morning until his departure in April 2023. Following his CNN exit, Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show on X and published his memoir I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America.
Lemon won several major awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and regional Emmys. He remains an outspoken figure on race, equality, faith, and media ethics. In his personal life, he publicly came out as gay in 2011. In April 2024, he married his longtime partner, Tim Malone.
Don Lemon Age
How old is Don Lemon?
Don was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As of September 2025, Don Lemon’s age is 59 years old. He will celebrate his 60th birthday on March 1, 2026, marking an important milestone in his personal and professional journey.
Tim Malone: Husband of Don Lemon
Tim Malone works as a real estate agent based in New York City and the Hamptons. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from Boston College, graduating in 2006. He began dating Don Lemon in 2016 after meeting at a restaurant in the Hamptons. They got engaged in 2019 and later married on April 6, 2024, in New York City. Malone has always supported Lemon’s career and stood by him during his departure from CNN in 2023. Together they share three rescue dogs and plan to start a family through adoption or surrogacy.
Don Lemon’s First Wife
Rumors often mention Stephanie Ortiz as Don Lemon’s first wife, but there is no evidence supporting those claims. Lemon never confirmed a marriage to Ortiz, and no records exist to validate the speculation. These stories mainly circulate in tabloids without reliable confirmation. In reality, Lemon has openly identified as gay since 2011. He later married his longtime partner, Tim Malone, in April 2024. Therefore, the rumors about Stephanie Ortiz being Don Lemon’s first wife remain untrue and lack any factual basis.
Don Lemon at CNN: Career Highlights and Controversial Exit
Why did Don Lemon quit CNN?
Lemon joined CNN in 2006 as a correspondent before becoming one of its most recognizable anchors. He began hosting CNN Tonight in 2014, which later became Don Lemon Tonight. In late 2022, he transitioned to co‐anchor CNN This Morning alongside Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. However, in April 2023, CNN fired Don after 17 years with the network. His departure followed several on‐air controversies and internal conflicts. Reports indicated he received a $24.5 million separation deal. Despite leaving CNN, Lemon remains a strong public voice in discussions about journalism, race, and media ethics.
The Don Lemon vs. Elon Musk and X Lawsuit
Don filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X in August 2024 claiming they breached a content deal. He alleges they promised him $1.5 million, revenue sharing, and other incentives for The Don Lemon Show. However, he also claims Musk canceled their partnership after a contentious interview. He accuses Musk and X of fraud, breach of contract, and misusing Lemon’s name and likeness. Musk and X asked a judge to dismiss the case, citing lack of grounds and improper jurisdiction. Meanwhile, in mid-2025, the court allowed Lemon to pursue claims like misappropriation of name and likeness, and breach of implied contract. The lawsuit seeks compensation and a jury trial.
Don Lemon and Megyn Kelly: Media Feud and Recent Fallout
Lemon recently criticized Megyn Kelly after she celebrated Joy Reid’s exit from MSNBC. He called Kelly a “troll” who thrives on negativity. Lemon accused her of a history of sexist and racist behavior. Moreover, he recalled moments when Kelly defended controversial issues like blackface and made harsh remarks about other female journalists. Meanwhile, Kelly doubled down on her comments, arguing she stood by her opinions. Their clash now features prominently in conversations about media ethics, race, and accountability in journalism.
Don Lemon’s X | Twitter
Don Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show on X in 2024. However, after his interview with Elon Musk, X ended the partnership. Despite the fallout, Lemon continues using the platform under his handle @DonLemon. He shares updates on current events, personal views, and show highlights. Lemon criticized X’s policy changes, claiming they undermine free speech.
Don Lemon’s Salary
How much money did Don Lemon get from CNN?
Don earned an estimated $4 million per year during his time at CNN. After his departure in 2023, CNN reportedly paid him around $24.5 million as a contract settlement. This payout highlighted his long tenure and network value.
Don Lemon Net Worth
Don Lemon’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million as of 2025. He built this wealth through years as a journalist, anchor, author, and media personality. Additionally, his settlement with CNN after leaving the network in 2023 greatly boosted his financial position.
