Kaylah Walton
Roy Wood Jr. demonstrated his quick thinking during CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage by declining to drink alcohol, reminding viewers of a past incident involving Don Lemon.
Wood Jr. appeared on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live alongside Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. When offered tequila, the former Daily Show star decided against it, stating he wanted to secure his employment.
“Oh, no!” exclaimed Wood Jr. as his co-stars from Have I Got News For You, Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin, took their tequila shots. “I can’t. The last Black man who drank on this network lost his job. I’ll stick with water for now. Stability is important.”
The show’s hosts moved on quickly after Wood Jr.’s remark, which clearly referenced Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor who was a part of the New Year’s Eve Live broadcast until his departure in 2023.
Lemon’s Exit from CNN
“This morning, my agent informed me that I have been terminated by CNN. I’m shocked. After 17 years, I expected someone in management to communicate with me directly. I was never given any indication that my time at the network was over. Clearly, there are bigger issues involved,” shared Lemon at that time.
“I want to extend my gratitude to my colleagues and the teams I’ve worked with for an amazing journey. They are among the most talented journalists out there, and I wish them all the best.”
