Journalist Don Lemon is finally telling his side of the story after being fired from CNN.
In his first interview, since being let go back in April, Lemon spoke about the situation and what’s next for him in the future.
“I have a responsibility not only as a journalist but as an American, to tell the truth,” he said before he went on stage at the Memphis NAACP event.
“And to abide by the promises of the Constitution, because the Constitution says a more perfect union. Not a perfect union.”
Lemon added, “I’m not a perfect person. No one is. In order to fulfill the promise of the Constitution, we have to stand up for what is right. We have to stand up for the truth.”
Don Lemon also spoke about doing what’s right as a journalist, and the type of reporting that was required of him went against his beliefs.
“To know that I am doing the right thing, that I am standing up and abiding by the Constitution, which my profession demands that I do because we are listed in the First Amendment of the Constitution, which is freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press,” he said.
Don Lemon announced that he was terminated from the news company on April 24. In a tweet, he said, “I was informed this morning by my agent I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned.”
He continued, “After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play.”
He ended his statement with, “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run,” he said.
“They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”