CNN’s Don Lemon blasted for not mentioning his own key role in Jussie Smollett drama

CNN host Don Lemon is getting blasted for covering his pal Jussie Smollett’s trial on his late-night show — without mentioning his own central role in tipping off the “Empire” star that he was being investigated by police.

As he took the stand Monday, Smollett, 39, had told the court that he first knew that police doubted his race-hate attack was real after getting a text message from Lemon, saying that was key in his decision not to hand his phone records over to cops.

The testimony quickly sparked comparisons between Lemon and his former CNN love-“brother” Chris Cuomo, who over the weekend was fired for his own meddling in his brother Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment scandal.

But while Cuomo refused to report on his brother’s scandal, Lemon ended his Monday night show with a report on the latest news from the ex-“Empire” star’s trial — with no mention of his own involvement.

Jussie Smollett and Don Lemon.
Jussie Smollett told the court that he first knew that police doubted his race-hate attack was real after getting a text message from Don Lemon.
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

He spoke on-air to CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, who has been in court in Chicago covering the trial, promising “the very latest from the trial.”

The pair then reported on Smollett’s “really risky” decision to take the stand Monday, as well as the actor detailing his relationship with one of the men he is accused of hiring to stage his attack.

Courtroom sketch.
Jussie Smollett testified that Don Lemon’s message was key in his decision not to hand his phone records over to cops.
Cheryl Cook/AP

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