Former CNN host Don Lemon has sparked widespread concern after posting a TikTok video of his unusual behavior on a New York City subway.
The video, which has now been viewed over 81,000 times, shows Lemon engaging in a series of odd actions that left many questioning his mental state.
A Bizarre Subway Encounter
In the 15-second clip, Lemon is seen knocking on subway windows to grab the attention of unsuspecting commuters.
After getting their attention, he proceeds to show them random blue-tinted photos from his iPhone.
One of the more perplexing moments comes when he displays an image of Donkey from the Shrek movies to a woman, who can only muster a hesitant smirk as the train begins to leave the station.
Lemon, clearly amused by his own antics, smiles and laughs into the camera, seeming to find the entire situation entertaining.
During a second encounter, Lemon shares a heavily-filtered selfie with a different woman.
She, however, doesn’t react and remains stone-faced, leaving Lemon to chase after the speeding subway train with his phone still in hand.
Despite his enjoyment, the odd behavior did not sit well with some viewers.
Social Media Backlash and Criticism
While Lemon appeared to have fun, many on social media were quick to criticize the video
. “So Don Lemon is now a creepy stalker on the subway?” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter).
Others echoed similar sentiments, calling his actions “annoying” and “weird” in public.
A few viewers even speculated that his behavior might be linked to the fallout from his CNN departure.
“Losing that CNN gig has really sent him over,” one person remarked, referring to his termination from the network in 2023 after 17 years of service.
Many commenters accused Lemon of “begging for attention” and questioned whether he was okay, with some suggesting that his actions might be a sign of desperation.
“Is that what Don Lemon does in his spare time now?” one user asked. “Is he okay?” another added.
Support from Fans on TikTok
Despite the criticism, Lemon also received a wave of support, particularly from his followers on TikTok.
Some fans praised his creativity and even defended his decision to continue posting content online.
“CNN truly hated your personality because you are so amazing since you’ve left,” one fan commented.
“I only believe anything you say because the media is ridiculous. Thank you for being true to you.”
Others expressed admiration for Lemon, with one fan saying, “My goal for visiting NYC is to run into you so I can shake your hand for being my favorite.
Don’t ever change.” It’s clear that while Lemon has his fair share of critics, there are still many who appreciate his authenticity and creative efforts.
The Downfall of Don Lemon’s Career at CNN
Lemon’s current situation follows a highly publicized departure from CNN in April 2023.
His firing came after several controversies, including a particularly damaging remark during a February 2023 segment of CNN This Morning.
While discussing presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s proposal for mental competency tests for politicians over 75, Lemon claimed that women “past 40” were “past their prime.”
The comment sparked outrage from viewers and colleagues alike.
Sources inside CNN revealed that female staffers at the network were deeply hurt by his comments, with some even threatening to quit unless action was taken.
It’s like every woman over 50 in America has taken this as a personal insult,” one insider said.
In the aftermath, the network made the decision to part ways with Lemon, marking the end of his long tenure there.
Don Lemon’s Encounter with Elon Musk and His Frustrations With Free Speech
Following his dismissal from CNN, Lemon’s career continued to hit snags.
In 2024, he was set to launch The Don Lemon Show on Elon Musk’s X platform, but plans for the promotion were suddenly canceled after a controversial interview with Musk.
Lemon criticized the decision, accusing Musk of censoring his content, while Musk responded by saying that Lemon was still free to share his show on the platform without any restrictions.
A source close to the situation revealed that Musk was unhappy with some of Lemon’s demands, which included a hefty upfront payment and even a request to be the first podcast in space.
Musk’s camp was reportedly frustrated with what they saw as absurd requests, including a desire for a new Tesla Cybertruck.
This back-and-forth only deepened Lemon’s frustrations, highlighting the continuing tension in his professional life.
Lemon’s Changing Public Image
From a respected CNN anchor to a figure mired in controversy, Don Lemon’s career trajectory has taken a sharp turn.
Whether his latest subway stunt is just another attempt to remain relevant or a sign of deeper issues remains to be seen.
One thing is clear, though—Lemon’s journey continues to captivate and divide the public, leaving many wondering what his next move will be.