Comedian Roy Wood Jr. appeared to make a joke about Don Lemon’s controversial exit from CNN while declining a shot of tequila during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast on December 31, 2024.
Wood Jr. joined fellow comedians Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black as guests on the show, hosted by Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper. As part of the broadcast’s tradition, Cohen and Cooper consumed several alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. When Cohen offered Wood Jr. a shot of tequila, the comedian humorously declined.
“Oh, no!” Wood Jr. exclaimed. “No, I don’t. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.”
Cohen and Cooper did not directly address Wood Jr.’s comment, quickly moving on to other topics. Later, Wood Jr. shared a clip of the moment on X (formerly Twitter), further fueling speculation about the joke’s target.
Wood Jr.’s remark seemingly alluded to Don Lemon’s departure from CNN in 2023. Lemon, a longtime host at the network, was fired after 17 years following a series of controversial on-air comments and interviews. He reportedly reached a $24.5 million separation agreement with CNN in 2024.
In a March 2024 interview, Lemon reflected on his firing, expressing his desire for a different exit but acknowledging the finality of the situation. He stated, “Do I wish that my exit from CNN had been different? Absolutely, but it is what it is, and I can’t go back and change the past. I don’t have a time machine.”
The incident involving Wood Jr. highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding Lemon’s controversial tenure and ultimate dismissal from CNN. It also underscores the comedic approach some personalities take to addressing sensitive topics in the media landscape.
Cohen and Cooper’s on-air drinking during the New Year’s Eve broadcast has been a long-standing tradition, often leading to memorable moments. In previous years, the network briefly implemented a ban on alcohol consumption during the show following controversial remarks made by Cohen in 2021. However, the ban was lifted in 2023, with the hosts returning to their on-air imbibing, albeit with an emphasis on “responsible” consumption. While CNN has not publicly responded to Wood Jr.’s joke, the comedian’s comment quickly circulated on social media, sparking debate and amusement among viewers.
