'Have I Got News for You' star Roy Wood Jr. declines a tequila shot during CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast with a hilarious joke about Don Lemon's tumultuous exit from the network.
- January 2, 2025
AceShowbiz - Comedian Roy Wood Jr. drew attention on CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast as he refused a shot of tequila and made apparent remarks about the firing of former CNN host Don Lemon.
During the live broadcast hosted by Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, Wood Jr. declined an offer for a drink, stating, "The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I'm going to keep it with water for right now." He quipped, "I need some stability."
Wood Jr.'s comment was seen as a reference to Don Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 after 17 years with the network. Lemon's departure followed a series of controversial comments including one that suggested women were "considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s," in an effort to criticize Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, then 51.
Cohen and Cooper, perhaps caught off guard by Wood Jr.'s quip, chose not to address the comment, instead redirecting their attention to other guests, Wood Jr.'s "Have I Got News for You" costars Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin.
Wood Jr. has previously alluded to Lemon's firing, making a joke about it at the 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
This latest instance on CNN's broadcast underscores Wood Jr.'s ability to mix humor with sharp social commentary, making him a standout figure in the comedy field.
