Media

CNN Anchor’s Live TV Revelation: ‘I Am a Victim of a Pedophile’

During a broadcast segment discussing the allegations against Bishop Eddie Long, CNN Anchor Don Lemon made what TV Newser called a “very personal admission”:

Lemon had just played a soundbite from the lawyer of one of Long’s accusers about how the bishop allegedly got close to one of the young men in his church.

“Let me tell you what got my attention about this and I have never admitted this on television. I’m a victim of a pedophile when I was a kid. Someone who was much older than me.”

TV Newser then noted that viewers quickly began posting their reaction on Lemon’s Facebook page:

“I’m sorry for the pain you endured,” wrote one. “Very Brave….You Just Helped Someone…” wrote another. Lemon replied, “Thank you all for your kind words. I had no idea I’d say that on national TV. It just came out. Sadly it’s the truth for so many young men.”

Comments (91)

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  • N37BU6
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:25pm

    I feel bad for him if it’s true… but I believe it takes a socially retarded person to blurt this out on national television, and think he should have given it more thought. This is supposed to be news, not a talk show.

    (I refuse to give up the word “retarded” no matter who it offends; it’s a perfectly acceptable word which simply means “impeded”. It‘s not my fault it’s been tainted by pop-culture.)

    Report Post » N37BU6  
  • dobie gillis
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:03pm

    Not cool Don..You ain’t no Oprah!

    (i made another post but don’t see it)

    Report Post »  
  • klstj
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:00pm

    I call BS, If I’m wrong, then I apologize. Zero emotion expressed during this so called admission. That said, they say boys, 17-18 isn’t exactly a boy. That said, as a twelve year old girl, my older cousin that I looked up to, that had many nice things that I never dreamed of, attempted to convince me that we weren’t actually related. He revealed himself to me, attempted to threaten that he wouldn’t talk to me, let me ride the motorcycles, swim in the pool etc. Unless of course, I agreed to have sex with him. I was twelve and I never spoke to my cousin again until I was 39. Tell me these boys couldn’t say no? I was thirteen when an adult man who worked for my aunt and uncle tried to grab me in the pool and put advances on me. He tried to get me to a private area, after he smothered my body and grabbed my breasts “pretending to water play with me like the younger children”. Sorry, I was thirteen and was able to say no. I also never said anything till older, but there was plenty of emotion when I did. I can’t imagine my level of emotion if i had experienced a completed molestation. I don’t run around calling myself a victim because I took control of my actions. There are people and children who have suffered immense atrocities. This guy showed no emotion, no compassion…I don’t belive him and like I said, if its true then my sincere apology. Again, I’m not buying it!

    Report Post »  
  • Flannie
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:42pm

    The reaction here is distressing. Are we not better than this? You are saying shameful things. Compassion must come before cynicism. Reach out with love. I am embarrassed to post in this thread but these things needed to be said.

    Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:56pm

      Unfortunately, you’re seeing the meaness of many here. I doubt they are even understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They won’t drive me off with their hatefulness because there are some really good, educated, and compassionate Christians here.

      You can bet Glenn Beck is also disgusted.

      Report Post »  
    • Mithra
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:41pm

      Perhaps they are really progressives acting as conservatives to try and make the people on the website look like loons.

      Report Post »  
  • Johnnyyuma
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:16pm

    I’m not saying that was a lie but something about this whole interview seemed like a set up… I don’t believe anything on CNN anymore after watching the way they do everything with an Obama slant…

    Report Post »  
    • everythinguknowiswrong
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:55pm

      probably the best thing to do is never watch anything except fox, ever ever again. and definitely, don’t read anything unless it is sold by one of the links on this website.

      Report Post » everythinguknowiswrong  
  • Bethany
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:08pm

    I think this was very brave of him to share this and the man deserves respect for doing so.
    A famous grown man on television being able to say this happened to him will help others to feel like they can speak out too, and know that they do not have to be ashamed!
    Victims remain silent because they somehow feel it was their fault. Thank you Mr. Lemon for speaking out, so that others may be able to do the same.

    Report Post »  
  • quicker
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:50pm

    pedophiles are human pieces of garbage they destory the life to be of the child thay molest .it been shown time and agin there is no cure for these pieces of crap .thay need the death penloty or put away for life .but there is aways some bleeding heart lib who has mercy on these scumbags

    Report Post » quicker  
    • Mithra
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:38pm

      You are correct that some studies have shown that they are incapable of change. It is the way they are made But killing them?

      Report Post »  
    • arx
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 10:43pm

      Yes. Killing them. I’d rather a thousand pedophiles die than one more little boy or girl lose their innocence to these monsters. Sick society we live in that allows these monsters to hunt our children.

      Report Post » arx  
  • Nodak Crusader
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:42pm

    It’s appauling that some of you ask for proof that he was sexually abused. You don’t have to believe him, but to ask him to PROVE that is stupid, about as stupid as the birther movement against Obama. My wife is a victim of sexual abuse as a child and it destroyed her life both emotionally and physically. I have never asked her to PROVE it as I have seen what it has done. Mr. Lemon was brave for what he did, liberal or not, it takes guts to admit that. Hell it took him until he was 30 to tell his mother, so his healing is just starting. Just for the record, I am a conservative, did not vote for Obama, and dislike the progressive liberal agenda that is going on in our country right now.

    Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:57pm

      Please do NOT equate most of the good truth seeking people in the birther movement with this hateful posts. Do you think that birtherrs are racists and hateful people?

      Report Post »  
  • LoneRanger
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:16pm

    Hello America – time to wake up. Over 75% of homosexuals are the product of sexual misconduct at an early age. Read their stories and decide for yourself (link to cut and paste http://www.parentsofgaychildren.org/uploads/Famous__gays__with_SSA_-_Revolution_of_Love_VII.pdf).

    You must protect your children, grandchildren, and those of your friends and neighbors. Visit http://www.endcensorship.com and http://www.preventhomosexuality.com, read, learn, then share with others. It is a shame the “gay” activists push their agenda with no regard what damage is done to children.

    There is no reason to be angry with the “gay” community. These fine folks have been sold a ill bill of goods brainwashed by the liberal left and organizations like PFLAG, GLSNN, and Family Equality Council.

    All citizens have an obligation to learn what Same Sex Attraction is. All citizens have an obligation to protect the innocense of children. And all you Baby Boomers, it is time to realize how we too have been sold an ill bill of goods and it shows in our children. If you are a Baby Boomer, go to http://www.prageruniversity.com, take some 5 minute classes and then pass it along to your children.

    We must leave this country just as nice or nicer than we found it.

    Report Post » LoneRanger  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:59pm

      Compassion and reality with recommednationsand links This is the type of post we need more of. here on the Blaze.

      Report Post »  
    • Mithra
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:33pm

      Researchers have studied homosexuality in animals, and I don’t think that these arose due to some incident in their youth. Man is more evolved than animals, but this doesn’t mean that homosexuality is unnatural. We don’t know why it occurs in nature, but it does. Prager University, really?

      Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:57pm

      Mirtha: Assuming that God is a loving being why would he help create a homosexual gene thus taking away a person’s free agency to choose his/her sexuaility? Now, if God is a whimsical being and hateful, He might create a homosexualy gene. My fiath is that He is a loving a fair person.

      Report Post »  
  • KEA
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:10pm

    Especially African American men dont want to discuss this? Here we go again with race again.

    NO one should have to go through this and I suspect NO man of any race wants to discuss it but since he raised the point, lets ask the question.

    Why is it that African American men “Especially” them dont want to discuss it? Is this a common in the African American population that brings embarrasment to them.

    Report Post »  
    • SummerB
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:25pm

      Stop with the race baiting already! Race is a cultural factor in most of everything. Why don’t you apply yourself & shoot off an email to DL & ask him why black men are especially embarrassed to discuss this & let us all know what you have learned so you can educate the rest of us. Just a thought. ;)

      Report Post »  
    • Zoe
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:41pm

      I should have been more careful in choosing my color before I was born.

      I’ll do better with the shoes I promise…………….

      Report Post » Zoe  
    • KEA
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:46pm

      Race baiting? Give me a break. He made a comment, as a black man, claiming the african american men especially dont like to talk about it.

      My asking why that is and offering a theory on it is not race baiting and that was the farthest thing from my mind.

      I am currently leading efforts on behalf of our county sheriff candidate who is black. I am white. If I was race baiting why on earth would I be working my ass off to get a black man elected?

      This seams to be the biggest challenge with anything that happens in the Black community. Try to talk about it and your labeled a race baiter.

      Give it a break!

      Report Post »  
    • paulnashtn
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:27pm

      There are a couple of things wrong in what I am reading here 1st culturally hispanic males are known to be the more likely than others to hide sexual abuse, I have seen nothing to show that blacks, or asians are anymore likely than whites to hide abuse. 2nd I have seen several posts bashing gays in one form or another, I will grant that a higher percentage of gays are pedophiles but by FAR the larger number of pedophiles are straight

      Report Post » paulnashtn  
  • FlowerBell
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:08pm

    Mr. Lemon wanted his own “Oprah” moment on live t.v..
    I was taught that spilling your guts is just as useful as it sounds.

    Report Post » FlowerBell  
  • Capt_Spalding
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:55pm

    I’m not sure what Mr. Lemon and/or CNN expects us all to do with this information?

    Report Post » Capt_Spalding  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:54pm

    First of all, Don Lemon‘s admission takes away from Bishop Eddie Long’s assertion that he is wrongfully accused. In many people’s minds who watched Lemon it leaves Long branded as guilty. Anyone on a news station should know better than to slant the story of someone accused and not yet convicted. As noted above, it is very unprofessional and worthy of repremand. Perhaps a hundred hand written copies of the Journalist‘s Creed and the Journalist’s Code of Ethics might be in order.
    Secondly, as a member of the highly mistrusted media, Lemon gives skeptical minds a reason to discount the very real problems of pedophilia. Therefore, his self serving revelation may be cathartic for him but it hurts other victims.

    Report Post »  
  • Larry Sheldon
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:49pm

    I’m sorry, but I simply do not trust “journalists” (re: present company, my mind is still open).

    I simply do not believe any story where the teller-of-the-story has a dog in the fight.

    Report Post » Larry Sheldon  
  • Truth be told
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:46pm

    Innocent until proven guilty is the American way of justice. Innuendo and rumor are all we have now. The truth will come out and the guilty will be punished (we always hope and have faith in this truth).

    Report Post » Truth be told  
  • Cristadda
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:40pm

    We all have free will and sometimes it is hard to accept that a man who has dedicated his life to doing good could be so bad, but we are all sinners who have fallen short of the glory of God.

    Report Post »  
  • FoundersKeeperUSA
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:36pm

    We have seen these pastors or priest’s sexually assualt young men and women and the first thing people do who attend the persons church is defend him.And not just sort of stick up for him but to almost be indoctrinated to the point of denial.When these boys come forward its 99% of the time the truth.Four different young men that dont know each other saying the same story of what he did to them.Makes me wonder how many more boys are out there who just dont want to go through the humiliation of coming forward.I just hope he dosent get some far left liberal/progressive judge that if found guilty gives him a year or less because unfortunately we have seen that alot lately.

    Report Post » FoundersKeeperUSA  
  • Truth be told
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:35pm

    I actually like Don Lemon over all the other CNN hosts. However, here he is not helping the truth come out by interjecting his own negative experience into the discussion. Furthermore, he is not very clear on what actually happened to him. This whole issue from the start to now is very fuzzy on the part of all involved, including the pastor. Someone (the pastor) needs to step up and clearly deny or confess the misdeeds that he is accused of. If he has given inappropriate advice or spoken out of turn to the young men who are his accusers, then he needs to apologize for that. If they (the young men) are being used by political operatives to disparage a good pastor, then that definitely needs to be exposed. Clarity is the call of the day.

    Report Post » Truth be told  
  • Asher
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:28pm

    Pedophiles are just as dangerous as drunkd rivers. The thing is that they at least plan out their attacks, somewhat, in advance. I hope he’s all right. I’ll take his word on it because so many people are never believed when they say they were raped. So until he’s proved to be lying, I’ll take his word on it.

    Report Post » Asher  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:42pm

      Pedophiles are more dangerous than drunk drivers because they gain trust before they act. My brother molested my daughter on two occasions and it took her 8 years to confirm what I had suspected from day one. She finally told me on her way to see her grandmother for Mother’s Day. We suspect he molested his oldest daughter (she is bi-polar and can’t, or won’t, remember) and also his step-daughter. These are evil people and should be outed for what the do and punished, but if they are falsely accused, those making the accusations should be punished. This is such a sensitive subject, and should be treated as such, but there still needs to be verification. It is also a subject that will draw alot of attention and sympathy to a person admitting it happened to them. Pray for the victims.

      Report Post »  
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:28pm

    Some of you folks are really lame. It took much courage to do what Lemon did. All I hear are attacks on CNN???? I doubt most here would have type of courage. Hide behind a phony name. To show you my willingness:

    Doug Schell
    King, NC

    Report Post »  
    • FoundersKeeperUSA
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:45pm

      I agree CNN is a biased news channel,but to say he made that up or that CNN told him to do that is just not right.I belive he just saw to young men in front of him talking about how good this man is and it made him remember what he went through.He just blurted it out to show them that he this is real and the young men could be telling the truth because it happened to me.CNN is still crap…

      Report Post » FoundersKeeperUSA  
    • dressseller
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:54pm

      I sympathize with Mr. Lemon. Some topics are just not partisan. What people don’t stop to realize (even if you think you do) is that there are life long consequences for the victims of these crimes and these consequences are crippling to many aspects of emotional health. Until you have walked in his shoes.. you really cannot judge him.

      C’mon. Lets not demonize every single thing we hear the left say or see the left do. Sometimes… it’s just not warranted.

      To Mr. Schell.. …nice to see a fellow N.Carolinian here! :) ..I’m in Cary.

      Report Post »  
    • klstj
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 11:00pm

      You’re lame for saying that…klstj here and you know what? I posted the truth and something very sensitive to me. I also posted why I have doubt in what he said due to the lack of emotion. Read my post then talk about how lame people are, hiding behind fake names. Why would i embaress my family to make public that whichis private between myself and family i trust?

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 11:52pm

      Contrary to your thinking, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Headline is the example of the distraction from the context. The Anchor put himself above those in the interview, unprofessional, his freedom and liberty to do so. That changed the dynamics of the working relationship between him and all those in the studio and audience because this is about an awful sinful human characteristic, and he just bridged all the individual perverted thoughts from everyone who was watching the interview to include him. Similar to Obama sending a chill up Chris Matthews leg. Chris Matthews ego is big enough for him to hold on keep fighting for his job. Don Lemon may have put his career in another direction which may work out for him. Good luck to him.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • guyharvey314
      Posted on September 27, 2010 at 2:34pm

      Thanks for have the courage to put that out there Doug Schell from King, NC. That was so brave of you Doug Schell of King, NC. let Doug Schell from King, NC be an example of really courage.

      Report Post »  
  • ILoveGlenn
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:23pm

    It really gets personal for a victim such as Don Lemon, and he forgets his on his job, because he can not stand and watch any guilty pedophile walk away. ( I am not talking of bishop Long here)

    Report Post » ILoveGlenn  
  • Two_Kids_Dad
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:19pm

    Caveat: Lemon is on CNN, so there’s a chance he may be lying. Until he produces some form of proof I’ll be skeptical. Sorry, but I’m jaded from the sheer number of lies that have been told by those on the left. The fake hate crimes, the self-inflicted wounds, etc.

    (and yes, I remember that some stupid chick from the McLame campaign cut her own face and made up a phony story about it, so it’s not exclusively a tactic of the left.)

    Report Post » Two_Kids_Dad  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:16pm

    It is very unprofessional for Mr. Lemon to make this announcement under these circumstances. He effectivly derailed the discussion on the pervert pastor and made the headline about himself. That, among many things, demonstrates why CNN stinks so bad.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
    • dobie gillis
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:59pm

      I agree, You can’t just blurt out something like that..Although when Oprah told her story it helped the ratings by millions..$$$..I like Don’s show but might have go back to GB on Fox.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 8:28pm

      I great news reporter keeps their own opinions and experiences out of light. Liberal media forces personel to “personalize” it, which in turns, exposes their tendencies which limits or damages career. Thanks for sharing, See Ya.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • Prestonian
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:15pm

    It is a good thing to make everyone aware of the methods these pedophiles use to gain power and manipulate young people to fulfill their perverse plans. They are charismatic. They use their personalities to gain trust and dependence, and then they gradually work in having their way with their victims. As for the CNN anchor, admitting this publicly was his decision and he had every right to do so. I do hope that he protected others by exposing the individual who took advantage of him. It proves that even though something nasty can happen to you as a child or young person, you don’t have to let it destroy your adulthood.

    Report Post »  
    • Freelancer
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 5:01pm

      Man…. As I was reading your comment, I first thought I must have skipped the pedo story and landed on someone describing Obama….

      Report Post » Freelancer  
    • Tate
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:55pm

      We have bigger fish to fry! This guy is a PIG but Ahmadinejad is 10x worse……

      Irans President Ahmadinejad met with Louie Farrakhan and (TNBP) ‘The New Black Panters’ in NYC.

      CALLING ERIC HOLDER, COME IN ERIC! EARTH TO HOLDER, COME IN HOLDER!

      HELLO HELLO HELLO HELLO HELLO HELLO. Holder come in. Are you still working?

      Report Post »  
    • Red Blooded
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 10:54pm

      Eric is working, but it’s for the Muslims…

      Report Post » Red Blooded  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on September 26, 2010 at 4:05pm

    Did it make you gay? The pedophile was most likely released previously by the libs like you. I am sorry for your pain though.

    mtnclimberjim  
    • indy1
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:30pm

      It’s interesting that the libs help the gays worm their way into being teachers, Boy Scout leaders and priests and then are shocked when they use their authority to “recruit” new members.

       
    • everythinguknowiswrong
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:46pm

      Two of the most moronic comments so far appear above. You would probably be stunned how many of your fellow tea partiers are gay, just won’t admit it due to intolerance and ignorance like your own. Remember Rev Ted Haggard. Sen Larry Craig. Rep Mark Foley. Big conservative gay bashers in public; in private, well, not so much.

      Report Post » everythinguknowiswrong  
    • belleharbor
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 6:53pm

      OK lets be kind CNN has no ratings why else would they stoop so low we need not.CNN can only do what they see to boost viewers and a buzz hope i don’t feel it a buzz is that a UFO or just the bama looking for more of my freedoms

      belleharbor  
    • ConservativeFeminist
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:05pm

      Your comment was heartless, thoughtless, inappropriate, and a poor reflection upon everyone who supports Glenn Beck and “TheBlaze” website.

      Report Post » ConservativeFeminist  
    • leftylemn
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 7:46pm

      I’d like to make a distinction…Pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles are attracted more to the youth aspect of their victims. This particular pervert was attracted to young men, thus the homosexuality figures in. He is more a predator than a pedophile. Pedophilia usually describes prepubescent molestation. Gays get a bad enough rap as it is. Please don’t confuse us with this disgusting behavior. You may not agree with our lifestyle. But don’t accuse us of wanting young children.

      Report Post »  
    • everythinguknowiswrong
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 8:10pm

      conservativefeminist: do you know who andrew breitbart is?

      Report Post » everythinguknowiswrong  
    • plunderpower
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 8:21pm

      Children who are victims of sexual abuse often do firestarting. They also have a tendency to display sexual behavior beyond their years. It is usually someone the family knows. It is usually someone the family will not protect the child from. It is usually a cycle that can only be broken by professionals in mental health care.

      Report Post » plunderpower  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 8:52pm

      I am not intolerant or ignorant of gays. I just don’t like or agree to their life styles. I feel it is sexual perversion. Just my opinion. Amazing how the lovers of the gay life style demonise those who don’t like it. Freaks and jackasses! And sorry feminist if you were offended. Deal with it. Things are going to get alot more harsh than this.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • ME
      Posted on September 26, 2010 at 9:31pm

      I have no heart for the sin only the sinner. The sin is an abomination and when you protect an abomination don’t be surprised at the out come. We welcome the snake in (homosexuality) and treat it like a pet and when it strikes a child are somehow surprised, same can be said of pornography. I don’t speck for Glenn, The Blaze or God I just know what was written in the “Word” clearly not the one Nancey reads or many so called christens that seem to make it up as they go mine was translated to English in 1611 and has not changed.

      Report Post » ME  
    • Scanner 3T
      Posted on September 27, 2010 at 1:43pm

      for ME, Right on !!!!

      Report Post »  
    • KissMYgritZ
      Posted on September 27, 2010 at 4:09pm

      I agree with 99% of what others say in the chat rooms. Although I may not agree with a persons lifestyle because of my religious beliefs, it‘s that same belief that allows me to cherish their lives because they are one of God’s children. We can disagree with policy and politics but when we resort to name calling and verbal abuse it makes us no better than the ones that we so often speak of in these forums. We are supposed to be better than that. We MUST be better than that or our cause will be lost in the wake of such speak. We The People is not a hand picked few. It’s the collective. It’s Americans and “The People” must be respected even if disagreed with.

      Report Post »  
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