Popular podcast host and former Fox News Channel personality Megyn Kelly wasn’t holding back a bit during a recent smackdown of CNN’s Don Lemon who, as part of CNN’s push to be reputable again (and attract viewers again) following its fall in the ratings and esteem of America during Trump’s presidency, was demoted.
Well, Lemon has so far insisted that he wasn’t demoted, just moved. But he was “moved” from his own prime-time show to a daytime TV slot with two other co-hosts. So most people would say that he was demoted and that it’s quite obvious that that’s the case.
Such is what Megyn Kelly pointed out when speaking recently with Newsmax host Eric Bolling, mocking the idea that Lemon wasn’t demoted but instead promoted. Speaking on that, Kelly said:
“It’s such a joke. I love it. All I could think of when he got booted out of his own show with his name on it in the primetime down to the morning — where he has two other co-hosts sitting there next to him of equal importance — and said it’s a promotion was sure, Jan.”
Watch that here:
That last bit was a reference to a famous line from the “Brady Bunch”.
Despite the mockery of Kelly and those like her, along with much of the conservative Twitter-sphere, Lemon has so far insisted that he wasn’t demoted but rather “it’s time to shake things up” and that the new, daytime TV with co-hosts show is “an opportunity that [he] can’t pass up.”
Speaking in a statement shortly after the announcement of his “move,” Lemon said:
“The last eight years have been an incredible ride. I’ve had the opportunity to work with one of the best show teams in the business, but it’s time to shake things up. I am so appreciative of the ‘Don Lemon Tonight’ team, my wonderful, loyal viewers, and everyone who has believed in me.
“I was honestly floored when Chris Licht asked me to do this and I’m honored by his belief in me. It’s going to be a thrill to take on this challenge with Poppy and Kaitlan. I’ll get to work with two of my dearest friends. Set your alarms folks, because we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Similarly, when speaking on air about the issue and trying to push back on the claim that he was demoted, he used the “opportunity” line and argued that he had gotten a promotion, saying:
“I was presented with an opportunity that I can’t pass up at this network, and I am honored that he asked me to do it. And for all of those out there saying oh, he moved me and without my permission, he asked me, and I said yes. I could have said no. But I was not demoted. None of that. This is an opportunity. This is a promotion.”
Sure it is, Don. Sure it is.
