Don Lemon left 'stunned' by CNN decision

ATLANTA, Va. -- Longtime host Don Lemon is out at CNN.

"Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years," CNN CEO Chris Licht in a statement on Monday. "We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors."

Lemon anchored "CNN This Morning" with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. The show has been on the air for nearly six months.

"We are committed to its success," Licht said of the morning show.

Lemon joined CNN in September 2006. Prior to "CNN This Morning," Lemon hosted the prime-time show "Don Lemon Tonight" for more than eight years.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Lemon said he was "stunned" by Monday's announcement.

"I am stunned," Lemon said, arguing that management did not have "the decency" to inform him of his firing 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," Lemon added

CNN rebutted Lemon, calling his version of events "inaccurate."

"He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter," the network said in a statement.

The end of Lemon's career at CNN comes on the same day Fox News announced Tucker Carlson was leaving the cable news network.

This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.