By Charles Switzer
1:01pm PST, Jan 25, 2025
Camerota's Exit from CNN
Alisyn Camerota's 17-year tenure at CNN came to an unceremonious end, with no official acknowledgment of her contributions from the network.Former colleague Don Lemon shared his disappointment on his YouTube show, stating, "Honestly, nobody was celebrating her." Insiders echoed Lemon's sentiments, revealing to Page Six that Camerota didn't even receive a traditional champagne send-off.
Lemon reflected on the lack of recognition, saying, "She got nothing," despite her significant role at the struggling network.
Here's what happened.
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content
A Star-Studded Farewell Hosted by Jeff Zucker
Camerota's exit was finally celebrated by her former boss Jeff Zucker and his girlfriend, Allison Gollust, who hosted a dinner in her honor at Il Buco in New York City.The event drew current and former CNN stars, including Sara Sidner, Jon Berman, David Axelrod, Erin Burnett and Lemon, who shared heartfelt stories during the evening.
Describing the atmosphere, one source told Page Six, "There was toasting and reminiscing about the glory days. It felt like the Jeff and Allison era, where things were more like a family."
Don Lemon Reflects on Camerota's Legacy
Lemon, who referred to himself as Camerota's "first work husband" at CNN, expressed mixed feelings about the gathering. On his YouTube show, Lemon said, "This dinner was the only time I missed working at CNN. We got together to celebrate Alisyn because nobody else did."Recreating the Zucker-Gollust Era
The dinner reportedly evoked nostalgia for the Zucker-Gollust days at CNN, when team dinners and camaraderie were common.A source described the mood, saying, "It was like a family. People seemed happy to be together, and those who left CNN are all doing well."
Chris Cuomo's Notable Absence
One surprising detail from Camerota's farewell dinner was the exclusion of her former co-anchor Chris Cuomo from the guest list.Sources revealed that Camerota herself managed the invitations, and Cuomo, who had his own contentious departure from CNN, didn't make the cut. The absence of Cuomo, once a prominent morning show partner, added another layer of intrigue to the event.
A Bittersweet Celebration Amid Layoffs
While the dinner was filled with laughter and memories, it occurred during a turbulent time for CNN. As layoffs swept through the network, the mood at the dinner was initially somber. One attendee described the dual emotions of the evening, noting how the celebration of Camerota's legacy contrasted sharply with the uncertainty faced by current CNN employees.Despite this, the evening served as a testament to Camerota's impact and the close-knit relationships forged during her tenure.