Disgraced former CNN star Don Lemon gets a new job: hosting awards show for gay black men

Disgraced former CNN host Don Lemon has been chosen to host an awards show for black gay men as his first gig since being fired from the outlet in April.
 
According to Page Six, Lemon will host the 7th annual “Native Son Awards” on June 16, a New York-based awards show showcasing the accomplishments of black gay men.



In 2016, Lemon received an award at the event.

Journalist Emil Wilbekin said in a statement that Lemon was picked partially due to the fact that he is a well-known black gay man. “For this year’s awards, we really wanted to shine a light on those who are using their platforms to bring visibility to all the beautiful ways in which Black, queer men show up in the world.” 

Wilbekin told the outlet, “Having Don host this year’s award feels like a full circle moment for Native Son.”

Wilbekin added, “He is one of the most visible Black gay men in media and his presence reinforces the importance and impact of our community.” 

In April, CNN fired Lemon following the anchor’s comments about women being in their prime when discussing GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. 

In February, Lemon said regarding Haley suggesting that politicians over the age of 75 should undergo mental competency tests, "I think that—I think it's the wrong road to go down, she says people—you know—politicians or something, are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn't in her prime, sorry."

He was reportedly forced to undergo formal training and was absent from CNN This Morning for several days and female CNN staffers threatened to quit if Lemon was allowed back

It was also reported that Lemon screamed at former co-host Kaitlan Collins off-camera and accused her of interrupting him while on air. 

Lemon also got into an argument with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy during a segment on the show regarding the Second Amendment and race.