'Don Lemon Seeks Revenge on Kathy Griffin for New Year's Eve Show' — Source

According to an insider, former CNN anchor Don Lemon is reportedly planning to bring Kathy Griffin on board for a New Years Eve show. Entertainment journalist Rob Shuter claims that Lemon, aged 59, is considering recruiting the 65-year-old comedian for the festive event, which would directly compete with CNNs own New Years Eve countdown featuring Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. It's worth noting that Lemon was dismissed by CNN in 2023, while Griffin was replaced by Cohen back in 2017 following the controversy surrounding her photoshoot with a mock severed head of Donald Trump.

Griffins involvement would be seen as a way to "stick it to CNN" if she agrees to join Lemon. A source informed Shuter on his "Naughty But Nice" Substack that Lemon, who currently hosts his own podcast, "The Don Lemon Show," is reportedly drawn to Griffin because of her "explosive, iconic, and unpredictable" nature. Bringing her on for a New Years Eve special would send a clear, pointed message, especially aimed at CNN. Another insider referred to the potential collaboration as "revenge theater," adding that if Griffin were to co-host with Lemon, CNN might need to "breathe easy" after the shockwave.

As for Griffins willingness to participate, a source close to her told Shuter that shed consider it "if it feels right." The same source noted that sticking it to CNN would feel very right after they fired her. Her potential involvement would also be a big win for Lemon. An insider close to him remarked, "Don believes he was the force behind the chaotic, viral champagne-soaked energy of CNN's New Years Eve show. Having Kathy back would be Don reclaiming the night." Shuter also reported that CNN is aware of the possible pairing and is very much hoping that it doesnt happen.

However, it's important to note that neither Lemon nor Griffin has made an official announcement regarding a co-hosting partnership for New Years Eve.

In November, Griffin shared that she was taken aback by an email she received from Andy Cohen, who she described as a "difficult boss" during a stand-up gig in Los Angeles. This email marked the first time she had heard from him in eight years, and while she found it "civil," it wasnt exactly an apology. Griffin reflected on the email, saying, "You emailed me after eight years of doing me dirty, taking my job, and firing me from Bravo. But OK." In 2017, Griffin accused Cohen of drug use and being a "miserable boss," alleging that he had harassed her and even asked if she wanted to "do blow" or "do some coke." She criticized Cohen, saying, People like Andy Cohen, who live to take women down, need to be called out.

Despite their past conflicts, Griffin has expressed a desire to return to the Bravo network and even suggested she might reconcile with Cohen, admitting she didnt "need to be in any more beefs." However, if Griffin were to accept Lemons offer, it would carry a strong message about her current stance and the past events that shaped her career.

Griffin has been open about her life following the backlash from her controversial photoshoot, particularly in her stand-up special, "My Life on the PTSD List," where she addresses her struggles with drug addiction, a divorce, a lung cancer diagnosis, and a suicide attempt. The fallout from the photoshoot led to the loss of several important relationships in her life.

In a related note, in October, Lemon accused the Trump administration of attempting to cover up his cognitive decline, stating that he had been "stumbling, bumbling, and mumbling."

Author: Chloe Ramirez