CNN's Don Lemon Will Return To Morning Show After Backlash Over 'Sexist' Comments About Women's Age Sparks 'Formal Training,’ Steps Away From NYC Hosting Gig

CNN anchor Don Lemon is scheduled to resume his duties on "CNN This Morning" after facing criticism for his comments on Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Deets on his return, plus details about the famed anchor stepping away from hosting a Black History Month event in NYC inside… CNN anchor Don Lemon is set to make a return to “CNN This Morning” after his recent controversial comments about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, caused backlash. Don had suggested that Nikki, who recently announced her candidacy for president, was "past her prime,” during a conversation with his co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins on Thursday's show, which caused immediate backlash from Nikki and others on the right and left. During a segment on the morning show about the age of politicians, Don said that Nikki’s suggestion that politicians over the age of 75 should take mental competency tests made him uncomfortable. He then went on to say that Nikki wasn't in her prime, suggesting that a woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s, and maybe 40s, according to Google search results. Watch the viral clip below: Don Lemon says Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime as a politician because she’s not in her 20’s, 30’s or 40’s. Holy shit. She’s only 51! Biden’s 80! This may be the dumbest thing ever said on CNN. And I love that he cited Google as his source: pic.twitter.com/l1CzTYlkjX — Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 16, 2023 Don issued a tweet expressing regret later that day and apologized to staffers in an editorial call on Friday. The reference I made to a woman’s “prime” this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it. A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day. — Don Lemon (@donlemon) February 16, 2023 “The reference I made to a woman’s ‘prime’ this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it,” he tweeted. “A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.” Despite taking a pre-planned time off on Friday, Don faced increasing pressure to address the controversy, and on Monday, he met with CNN Worldwide Chairman and CEO Chris Licht for a "frank and meaningful conversation." As a result of the meeting, Don has agreed to undergo formal training and "continue to listen and learn" as CNN seeks to balance accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn, and grow from their mistakes. Licht emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that "It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes.” Don will return to “CNN This Morning” on Wednesday (February 22nd). Don’s absence from the show on Thursday and Monday fueled speculation about his future with CNN, however, the network appears to be signaling its commitment to supporting hisgrowth and development as a journalist. As co-host of the revitalized CNN morning show with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins since November, Don has been a fixture on the network, and his return is likely to be closely watched by viewers and critics alike. On Monday, Nikki Haley responded to a comment made by "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg. During a segment of the talk show, Whoopi played a clip of Nikki calling for a new generation of leadership in Washington, D.C. The daytime talk show co-host then remarked, "You're not a new generation, you're 51." This comment echoed similar remarks made by CNN host Don Lemon, who was recently accused of making sexist comments about the republican candidate’s age. The presidential hopeful said she was prepared to become a prime target of liberal media, but she wasn't expecting her age to be the focus of their attacks.  ”If my age is all they have, it means we’re winning," she said. "I’m okay with that." Peep the clip below: Nikki Haley to Fox News about Don lemon's comments: "They know I’m the biggest threat liberals have ever seen, and they're scared about it. You want to tell me I’m past my prime -- hold my beer and watch this." pic.twitter.com/u0p2XO20C6 — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) February 21, 2023 Thoughts? Amid the drama... CNN anchor Don Lemon has withdrawn from hosting a Black History Month event in New York City following the recent controversy. According to reports, Lemon was concerned that his recent scandal would overshadow the event. Photo: Ron Adar/Shutterstock