Don Renaldo Lemon-Clark, born on March 1, 1966, is an American television journalist. He is best known for his time as a host on CNN from 2014 to 2023, most notably for CNN Tonight. Prior to CNN, Lemon worked as a news correspondent for NBC on programs like Today and NBC Nightly News and anchored weekend news programs on local television stations. He is an openly gay African American journalist and author. Lemon came out publicly in his 2011 memoir, Transparent, and has been recognized as a role model for other gay men of color.
After being fired from CNN in April 2023, Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show. Initially, the show was slated to air on X, but the agreement was terminated by Elon Musk after an interview. It then moved to YouTube and as a podcast. As of January 2026, Lemon remains active as an independent journalist. He was arrested and charged with federal civil rights violations related to his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota in January 2026. Lemon has pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining he was present as a journalist. He has vowed to fight the charges, asserting his First Amendment rights. Lemon has received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the Washington, D.C. snipers and three regional Emmy Awards.
