Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, has recently sparked a wave of concern for his wellbeing after posting an unusual TikTok video of himself behaving oddly on a New York City subway.
In the footage, the longtime journalist engages in a strange stunt where he knocks on subway windows to grab the attention of unsuspecting commuters.
The video, which quickly gained traction online, shows Lemon waving random blue-tinted photos from his iPhone at passengers.
One of the more peculiar moments captured in the video includes him showing a woman an image of Donkey from the “Shrek” movie.
The woman appears confused, offering only a hesitant smile as the train departs.
Lemon, clearly amused by his antics, laughs to himself while looking directly into the camera.
More Unusual Encounters with Subway Riders
As the video progresses, Lemon attempts to interact with another subway rider, showing her a heavily-filtered headshot of himself. Despite his efforts, the woman remains stoic, offering no reaction.
Undeterred, Lemon chases the subway train as it speeds away, continuing his bizarre behavior.
The entire TikTok clip lasts just 15 seconds but has already been viewed over 81,000 times, with mixed reactions from viewers.
While Lemon seems to be enjoying himself, online critics were quick to question his behavior.
Some users took to social media to express their disbelief at what they had witnessed.
One comment on X (formerly Twitter) read, “So Don Lemon is now a creepy stalker on the subway?” Another user remarked, “What he does in his free time… being annoying and weird in public.”
Backlash Over Recent Actions
The video quickly became a topic of conversation, with many speculating that Lemon’s behavior could be linked to his recent firing from CNN.
The 58-year-old journalist was let go from the network in April 2023, ending a 17-year tenure at the company.
Some commenters suggested that the loss of his position at CNN might have had a significant impact on his mental state.
One user wrote, “Losing that CNN gig has really sent him over,” referring to the controversial circumstances surrounding his termination.
Others voiced concerns about Lemon’s apparent need for attention, with some speculating that he might be struggling emotionally after his departure from the network.
“Is that what Don Lemon does in his spare time now?” asked one commenter, while another added, “Is he okay?”
Supporters Rally Behind Lemon on TikTok
Despite the widespread criticism on platforms like X, Lemon’s TikTok followers have been more supportive.
Many fans expressed their admiration for the journalist, encouraging him to continue creating his content.
One user wrote, “CNN truly hated your personality because you are so amazing since you’ve left.
I only believe anything you say because the media is ridiculous.
Thank you for being true to you.” Another fan gushed, “My goal for visiting NYC is to run into you so I can shake your hand for being my favorite. Don’t ever change.”
A Look Back at the Controversies Leading to Lemon’s Departure
Lemon’s termination from CNN followed a series of controversies, including a particularly inflammatory comment he made about women during a February 2023 broadcast.
While discussing presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s proposal to require mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75, Lemon stated that women over 40 are “past their prime.”
The remark sparked outrage from viewers and staffers alike, leading to internal backlash within CNN.
Several women within the network reportedly demanded that management choose between them and Lemon, with some threatening to quit if he remained at the helm.
Sources told DailyMail.com that many felt personally insulted by Lemon’s comments, with one saying, “It is like every woman over 50 in America has taken this as a personal insult.”
Lemon’s Post-CNN Ventures and Failed Partnership with X
After his departure from CNN, Lemon was set to launch a new show on Elon Musk’s platform X.
However, those plans were abruptly canceled after a disastrous interview with Musk, which reportedly left the tech mogul irritated.
Lemon criticized the move as an attack on his free speech, but Musk insisted that the decision was a business one, stating that Lemon was still free to share his content on the platform without censorship.
In addition to the failed partnership with X, Lemon’s post-CNN career has been marked by a series of odd demands and requests.
Sources close to the situation revealed that he had asked Musk for a number of extravagant perks, including a Tesla Cybertruck and a $5 million upfront payment.
He also reportedly requested to be the first podcast to be broadcast from space.
As Don Lemon continues to navigate life after CNN, his strange subway video serves as yet another chapter in his increasingly unconventional public persona.
Whether it’s for better or worse, the former anchor’s behavior seems to have captured the attention of both his supporters and critics alike.