In a new interview, former CNN host Don Lemon said he was fired for telling the truth and abiding by the Constitution.
"I have a responsibility, not only as a journalist but as an American, to tell the truth and to abide by the promises of the Constitution," Lemon told a local Memphis ABC outlet after he was asked about his firing.
"Because the Constitution says 'a more perfect union,' not 'a perfect union.' I’m not a perfect person. No one is. … In order to fulfill the promise of the Constitution, we have to stand up for what is right. We have to stand up for the truth," Lemon said.
Lemon also said that his strong belief that certain individuals, like "liars," "bigots," and "insurrectionists," should not be given a platform is a value that will "carry me forward."
"I think that would be a dereliction of journalistic duty to do those sorts of things," Lemon said. "That is what has gotten me to this point, and that is what is going to carry me forward."
Lemon added that people say they "miss [him] on television" and "are more worried about me than I am about myself."
"I'm fine," Lemon reassured his concerned fanbase.
CNN fired Lemon, who was denounced by current and former colleagues for his misogynistic comments, in April. He claimed he was blindsided by the news but CNN said he was offered the opportunity to speak with management.
Lemon's claims come months after he said Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is "not in her prime."
"A woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s and 30s and maybe 40s," Lemon told cohosts in February.
"I’m just saying what the facts are. Google it," Lemon said. He was removed from his morning show temporally following the incident and fired from the network two months later.