The CNN anchor discusses the Malaysia-born actress' achievement after winning best actress gong at the Sunday event for her performance in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.
- Mar 14, 2023
AceShowbiz - Don Lemon apparently wasn't fazed by Michelle Yeoh's apparent shady comments directed at him during her award acceptance speech at the 2023 Oscars. In a Monday, March 13 episode of CNN morning show, the anchor discussed the Malaysia-born actress' achievement after winning best actress gong at the Sunday event.
"A huge night for Asians and Asian Americans," Don said. "With all of the anti-Asian hate that has been going on in the country, especially since COVID, I thought it was a really important and reaffirming moment for Asian Americans. I hope that, you know, they feel it in this country and that everyone does."
Don ignored Michelle's comments that many believed were a dig at the TV host. While onstage at the ceremony, the "Everything Everywhere All at Once" star said in her emotional speech, "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that … dream big, and dreams do come true."
The 60-year-old star continued, "And ladies, don't let anybody tell you you're ever past your prime. Never give up!" People believed that Michelle was referring to Don's controversial remarks while commenting on Republican party's presidential hopeful, Nikki Haley.
"This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable. I think it's the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians or something are not in their prime," Don said at the time. "Nikki Haley isn't in her prime, sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in her twenties and thirties and maybe forties."
Following the backlash, Don issued an apology to his co-workers over his recent sexist comments. "I'm sorry that I said it. And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided," he said during CNN's Friday editorial meeting on February 17. "When I make a mistake, I own it. And I own this one as well."
During the meeting, Chris Licht, the network's chief executive, shared that he had heard from a number of people inside the organization about Lemon's remarks. He called the comments "unacceptable," adding that they were "unfair to his co-hosts." He went on to note that it was important for Lemon to appear at the virtual meeting to address the matter and took the accountability for it.
"I believe that women of any age… can do whatever they set their minds to," Don explained. "The people I am closest to in this organization are women. The people I seek counsel from most in this organization are women."
