Don Lemon has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time sparring with former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly following significant changes at MSNBC. The exchange erupted when Kelly took to social media to celebrate the cancellation of Joy Reid's show, calling Reid the "absolute worst person on television." This comment set off Lemon, who didn’t hold back on his YouTube show, issuing what can only be described as an expletive-filled tirade against Kelly.
On his Monday episode, Lemon made his feelings abundantly clear, stating, "Let me just say to Megyn Kelly, on my 30-some years as a journalist and my 50-some years as a person of color: Go f‑‑‑ yourself." Distancing himself from Kelly’s remarks, Lemon labeled her as both the worst person on television and "a racist," criticizing her for attacking Reid's reputation.
This feud escalated following the recent announcement of the end of Reid's long-running evening news show, "The ReidOut," which aired its final episode just days earlier. Reid was previously known for her candid discussions on race relations and her sharp critiques of political figures. Kelly's comments about Reid included references to past remarks Reid made, where she mockingly addressed the concept of "white women tears," questioning who was crying now.
Lemon didn’t hold back, arguing, "The worst person on television was fired from NBC and the 'Today' show a few years ago, and that's Megyn Kelly. That’s the worst person who’s not on television anymore. It’s you. So hoorah for the fact NBC did something good with you.” His reference to Kelly's ousting from NBC stems from her controversial defense of Blackface costumes during her then-show "Megyn Kelly Today," which resulted in widespread backlash.
Kelly, unrepentant, continued her criticisms. Just hours after Lemon's remarks, she reiterated her disdain for Reid on her podcast. Taking to X, she reposted footage of Reid's emotional farewell, saying, "Joy Reid has viciously mocked the tears of every white person she’s helped cancel over the years for some imaginary racial slight. She’s had zero empathy for anyone. Now she wants us to feel sorry for her. WE DON’T." This sentiment echoed her earlier comments where she dismissed Reid’s exit as deserved.
The tumult surrounding Reid's departure from MSNBC isn't just limited to Lemon and Kelly. It has sparked outrage among various media personalities and politicians who have come to Reid's defense. Rachel Maddow, one of the network's leading figures, labeled Reid's firing as "a bad mistake," stating it was "indefensible" for MSNBC to fire two prominent non-white hosts, Reid and Alex Wagner, during the same shake-up.
Support for Reid has also emerged from political figures like Stacey Abrams, who shared messages of solidarity online, emphasizing, "We’ve got your back, Joy." Alongside this, Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, expressed her heartbreak over Reid's absence, noting her exceptional contributions to journalism.
While Reid often faced criticisms for her candid takes, her departure has led to mixed reactions, as many of her peers rallied to support her legacy as a journalist. Reid, visibly upset during her farewell, declared, "My show had value. What I was doing had value."
This series of events highlights the dynamics of cable news politics, especially surrounding marginalized voices and race. Lemon’s fierce response to Kelly's commentary speaks volumes about current tensions within the industry, demonstrating how discussions around race and representation remain polarizing topics.
Many media observers are now questioning whether these changes at networks like MSNBC reflect larger shifts within the communication sector—a recognition of the need for greater diversity and inclusivity amid significant public discourse on these issues.
The fierce social media exchange continues to draw attention, highlighting the never-ending drama behind the scenes of cable news, as former colleagues and media personalities spar over issues of representation and integrity within journalism.
With so much at stake, it seems the battle lines are drawn—pitting voices against each other as the media world reevaluates its role and responsibility toward representation and the voices it chooses to amplify.