Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been tapped to host an awards show in his first gig since being fired from CNN in April, according to a Tuesday Page Six exclusive.
Lemon will reportedly host the 7th annual “Native Son Awards” on June 16. The New York-based awards show highlights the accomplishments of black gay men, according to the show’s website. Lemon reportedly received an award at the event in 2016. (RELATED: ‘What The F*ck Is He Wearing?’: Chris Licht Openly Trashed Don Lemon In Front Of Production Staffers)
Journalist Emil Wilbekin says that the organization picked Lemon partially for being 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 said in a statement according to Page Six.
Don Lemon to host 7th annual Native Son Awards https://t.co/GzQhDN6hHL pic.twitter.com/G2b9a49M3i
— Page Six (@PageSix) June 5, 2023
“Having Don host this year’s award feels like a full circle moment for Native Son,” Wilbekin told Page Six.
Wilbekin added that Lemon’s high-profile media career helps underline the impact of the black gay community.
“He is one of the most visible Black gay men in media and his presence reinforces the importance and impact of our community,” Wilbekin said to Page Six.
Lemon was fired by CNN in April over a series of mishaps during his short run as a morning show host. Lemon received a brief suspension after stating that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her “prime.” Lemon also reportedly “screamed” at former co-host Kaitlan Collins off-camera, accusing her of interrupting him while on air, and got into a heated argument with presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over race and the Second Amendment.