According to an insider at the established media network, Lemon is taking a "holiday" from his duties following the outrage over a sexist remark made last week, according to Fox News.
Lemon was withdrawn from Monday's "CNN This Morning" on-air program on Sunday, amid rising outrage and requests for his resignation after statements he made last week that were widely criticized as misogynistic.
A CNN insider told Fox News Digital that Lemon has no intentions to return to the air before Tuesday, adding that he is "taking a holiday" on Monday and that his return to the show is dependent on "where his brain is at."
Lemon later attempted to retract his “prime” remark in a Thursday afternoon Twitter post but stopped short of apologizing to Haley directly.
"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," Lemon said.
"A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day."
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 Daily Beast originally revealed Lemon's absence on Monday, as well as the fact that Lemon's future at the network is unknown. According to a source close to the situation, "there are continuing debates about Don's future," and he has become a "constant nuisance" for the network.
Lemon's on-air suspension came after he apologized to his colleagues on Friday for comments he made about women and aging in which he called Haley, a Republican presidential candidate in 2024, "beyond her prime."
CNN CEO Chris Licht chastised Lemon for the remark on Friday, calling it "upsetting, unacceptable, and unjust" and a "huge distraction."
There is a significant difference between the average age at which men and women retire from politics. In the United States, the average age of retirement for male politicians is around 62 years old, while for female politicians it is around 57 years old.
In addition, there is a well-documented bias against older women in political settings, often referred to as "ageism" or "sexism." This bias can manifest in a number of ways, including stereotypes about older women's abilities or competency, as well as expectations that women should prioritize family or caregiving responsibilities over their political careers.
Research has shown that older women in politics are often subject to higher levels of scrutiny and criticism than their male counterparts, and are more likely to face negative media coverage or be dismissed as "past their prime." This bias can make it more difficult for older women to be taken seriously in political settings, and can discourage them from continuing to pursue political careers.
Organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equity and combating ageism in politics have also emerged in recent years, highlighting the need for greater representation and support for women of all ages in political settings.