Don Lemon Net Worth

What Is Don Lemon’s Net Worth?

Don Lemon, an American journalist and former CNN anchor, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This figure primarily reflects his earnings throughout his career in television news, including his time at CNN and previous positions at NBC and various local news affiliates.

Don Lemon’s CNN Salary and Settlement

At the zenith of his career with CNN, Don Lemon’s annual salary reached $7 million. This amount was confirmed in February 2024 when CNN finalized a $24.5 million settlement with Lemon following his termination. The settlement was structured to compensate him for the remaining 3.5 years on his contract. Therefore, $24.5 million divided by 3.5 years equals $7 million per year, validating his peak salary at the network.

Prior to the settlement, Lemon served as a lead anchor and presenter for CNN. His most notable role was as the host of “Don Lemon Tonight,” a program that aired from 2014 to 2022. For much of its run, from 2014 to 2021, the show was called “CNN Tonight.” The final broadcast of “Don Lemon Tonight” occurred in October 2022. Earlier that same year, Lemon transitioned to a co-hosting position on a CNN morning show. However, on April 24, 2023, CNN terminated Lemon’s employment after 17 years with the network.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Donald Carlton Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, Lemon attended Louisiana State University before transferring to Brooklyn College in New York, where he majored in journalism. As a college student, he gained initial experience as a news assistant at a Fox News affiliate in New York City. His early career involved working for various Fox News affiliates before joining NBC as a correspondent in Philadelphia and Chicago. He worked for affiliate stations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Pennsylvania, eventually becoming a weekend news anchor. He also served as an investigative reporter for a St. Louis affiliate. Lemon later transitioned to NBC News in New York City, appearing on “Today” and “NBC Nightly News,” and anchoring “Weekend Today” on MSNBC. In 2002, Lemon received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the D.C. area sniper and reports on Hurricane Katrina.

In 2003, Lemon moved to Chicago and worked at the NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV. During this time, he won three Emmys for his reporting and local news co-anchoring. These awards recognized his work on a business feature called “Life on Craigslist” and a report on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. Lemon joined CNN in 2006. Over his tenure at CNN, Lemon became known for his strong views and controversial commentary, leading to both acclaim and criticism. He claimed to have received numerous death threats during his time with the network. After a series of controversies and declining ratings, CNN terminated Lemon’s employment on April 24, 2023.

Failed Twitter Deal and Subsequent Lawsuit

Following his departure from CNN, Don Lemon entered into an agreement with Elon Musk’s Twitter, which would have provided a base salary of $1.5 million per year, in addition to a share of ad revenue. However, the contract was almost immediately rescinded after Lemon conducted an interview with Musk that Musk found unfavorable. The interview included questions about Musk’s alleged drug use and his plans for content moderation on the platform. A day after the interview, Musk informed Lemon’s agent that the contract was canceled. In August 2024, Lemon filed a breach of contract lawsuit against both Elon Musk and Twitter.

Controversies and Criticisms

During the presidency of Donald Trump, Lemon became more outspoken with his personal opinions on CNN. He accused Trump of racism and supporting white supremacy. After the 2020 elections, Lemon mocked Trump and his supporters. In one segment, Lemon and two guests mocked Trump supporters with fake Southern accents. This was seen as unprofessional by some observers. After Don “laughed so hard he cried,” Ivanka Trump criticized him for making fun of half the country and complaining about division. His viewpoints and commentary often sparked public debate, further solidifying his polarizing persona in the media landscape.

Personal Life and Relationships

In 2011, Don Lemon publicly announced that he was gay. He mentioned that he had been open about his sexuality with friends, family, and close colleagues for many years. In 2017, Lemon began dating Tim Malone, a real estate agent. They announced their engagement in 2019.

Legal Issues

In 2019, a bartender accused Lemon of assault, alleging that Lemon “rubbed his own genitals” before shoving his fingers in the bartender’s face during an incident in 2018. The bartender, Dustin Hice, claimed Lemon offered six-figure sums to settle out of court, which Lemon publicly denied.

Real Estate Holdings

In 2020, Don Lemon listed his Harlem condo for sale at $1.75 million. The condo featured 1,400 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. Lemon had purchased the condo seven years earlier for $1.5 million. The property includes a large balcony with panoramic views of Harlem and floor-to-ceiling windows. Lemon had previously owned another unit in the same building, which he sold for $970,000 in 2016. He also owns a home in Sag Harbor in the Hamptons, purchased in 2016 for $3 million. As of today, the home is estimated to be worth $4.5 million. These real estate transactions and holdings contribute to Don Lemon’s net worth.

Don Lemon’s Net Worth Compared to Chris Cuomo

While specific net worth figures for Chris Cuomo as of 2025 are not provided in the source material, it’s relevant to compare Don Lemon’s financial standing with that of other prominent figures in the news industry. Cuomo, like Lemon, has had a high-profile career, and such comparisons often shed light on industry compensation trends and career trajectories.

Key Milestones and Accomplishments

Don Lemon’s career milestones significantly contributed to his net worth. Some of these achievements include:

• Earning an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for coverage of the D.C. area sniper and Hurricane Katrina.
• Winning three Emmys for reporting and local news co-anchoring at WMAQ-TV in Chicago.
• Serving as the host of “Don Lemon Tonight” on CNN from 2014 to 2022.

Each of these milestones represents not only professional recognition but also increased earning potential, contributing to his overall financial success.

Additional Career Details

Before his tenure at CNN, Don Lemon worked for various NBC News affiliates, eventually appearing on “Today” and “NBC Nightly News.” He also anchored “Weekend Today” on MSNBC. In 2006, Lemon joined CNN and became known for his commentary on various social and political issues. Over his 17 years with the network, he became a recognizable face in American television news. His work on “CNN Tonight” and other CNN programs helped solidify his financial stability.

Summary of Don Lemon’s Net Worth

In summary, Don Lemon’s $20 million net worth is primarily derived from his successful career as a television news anchor. His salary at CNN, peaking at $7 million per year, and the $24.5 million settlement he received upon his departure, represent significant portions of his wealth. Real estate investments and other professional endeavors further contribute to his financial portfolio. Although his brief and contentious deal with Twitter did not materialize into long-term earnings, it reflects his continued pursuit of opportunities within the media landscape. Overall, Don Lemon’s career trajectory and financial decisions have positioned him as a notable figure in the broadcasting industry.