Fired CNN primetime host Don Lemon has reportedly agreed to a deal with CNN that will pay him roughly $24.5 million as compensation for his abrupt firing.

Almost a year after Lemon was fired, he is being paid out for the remaining three years that were left on his contract.

CNN never confirmed the exact reasons behind Lemon’s firing, though it was pretty clear that he had angered his bosses one too many times with his behavior on the show — including his comment about 51-year-old former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) not being “in her prime.”

CNN and Don have parted ways. Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023

Don Lemon: "Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry, when a woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, and 30s, and maybe 40s…"

Poppy Harlow: "Are you talking about prime for like child bearing?"

"Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just saying what the facts are! Google it!" pic.twitter.com/n1HmtkWTpl

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 16, 2023

Others cited his interview with then-Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as the likely reason behind his firing, as Lemon refused to let Ramaswamy finish a sentence before interrupting with unhinged rants.

While debating post Civil War history, @donlemon preposterously claimed that “black people still aren’t allowed to enjoy their freedoms.” That’s an insult to the progress we’ve made over the last 160 years. His comments embody what’s wrong with the dialogue about race in America.… pic.twitter.com/7EE4YNGILK

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) April 19, 2023

Nonetheless, Lemon’s firing did not come out of nowhere — as his primetime show had already been canceled and he had been moved to a morning talk show, which he co-hosted with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. Lemon was reportedly a difficult person to work with on the set of the morning show, where he was allegedly caught “screaming” at Collins on at least one occasion.

Lemon ultimately ended up being fired near the end of Apr. 2023, claiming in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had not been informed of the network’s decision personally.

“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon said.

“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 added.

“I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best,” he continued.

pic.twitter.com/8PyLqvS0d7

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023

However, CNN later issued a statement claiming that Lemon had been given notice and the opportunity to meet with management about the decision, but he had refused.

After being fired from the network, Lemon hired high-powered attorney Brian Freedman to represent him in his efforts to receive a settlement with CNN. According to reporting from The Wrap, the efforts succeeded — with CNN agreeing to pay Lemon approximately $24.5 million, which was the amount he would have received had he been allowed to stay at CNN through the end of his contract 3.5 years from the time of his firing.

Meanwhile, Lemon reportedly plans to launch his own independent show on X, following in the footsteps of another fired mainstream media anchor, Tucker Carlson — who was let go from Fox News on the same day that CNN fired Lemon.

His new show was announced in early January in a post from the official X Business account, which read: “We’re delighted to announce a new content partnership with Don Lemon for his new project, The Don Lemon Show.”

We’re delighted to announce a new content partnership with @DonLemon for his new project, The Don Lemon Show. The award winning TV journalist will share his unique and honest voice in 30 minute episodes, three times a week, covering politics, culture, sports and entertainment.…

— Business (@XBusiness) January 9, 2024