There's a chance that Don Lemon could be returning to his old stomping grounds.
The controversial newsman was fired from CNN last April after 17 years at the network following a series of questionable comments, including saying presidential candidate Nikki Haley was "not in her prime" at the age of 51. However, the ouster of now-former network CEO Chris Licht might open the door for Don's CNN resurrection.
TMZ said Don and Chris had a long-standing tension. Following Chris' firing, CNN's Executive VP for Talent and Content Development Amy Entelis is now one of the people calling the shots, and she's been close with Don for nearly 15 years.
Don's unceremonious spring termination (which came hours after Fox News showed Tucker Carlson the door) was dramatic and acrimonious, as he said he was let go without any notice whatsoever.
"I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly," he said in a statement. "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. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play."
He continued, "With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best."
Sources said Don's job was on thin ice in the months leading to his termination. "There are ongoing conversations about Don's future," a source told The Daily Beast in February. "He is a constant distraction."
Following his "in her prime" comments about Nikki, an editorial call was held to discuss how to handle the backlash.
"His remarks were upsetting, unacceptable, and unfair to his co-hosts, and ultimately a huge distraction to the great work of this organization," Chris told staffers at the time, according to reports. Don responded, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I did not mean to offend anyone."