(New York) Host Don Lemon, who is mired in a controversy over his remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, was absent from his CNN morning show on Monday.
The co-host of CNN This MorningPoppy Harlow, told viewers that her co-worker had “a day off.”
Lemon has not been on the air since Thursday morning, when during a discussion about the age of politicians, he claimed that Mme Haley, 51, was not considered “in her prime.” He added that women were considered to be in their prime “in their 20s, 30s and maybe 40s”.
When challenged by Harlow, Lemon replied, “Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are.”
Lemon has since apologized, but has been widely criticized by CNN executive Chris Licht, among others. According to New York TimesLicht chastised Lemon at an editorial meeting on Friday, saying his remarks were “upsetting, unacceptable and unfair” and a “huge distraction.”
A CNN spokesperson had no immediate comment when asked if the host would be back on Tuesday.