CNN anchor Don Lemon is reportedly contemplating a lawsuit against entertainment publication Variety following their explosive exposé alleging a history of threatening and demeaning behavior towards female colleagues such as Soledad O’Brien, Kyra Phillips, and Nancy Grace. According to Insider, the "CNN This Morning" co-host, who recently faced criticism for making sexist on-air comments, is "apoplectic" about the Variety report and has "consulted attorneys about a possible lawsuit."

Both Lemon and Variety have not responded to requests for comment, and CNN has declined to comment. A source close to Lemon claims that he is outwardly "playing it cool" and that CNN's defense of the anchor in the press demonstrates their support for him. Another media source added that Lemon is unlikely to sue, as doing so would involve depositions and could potentially reveal more information.

The Variety report, published on Wednesday, accused the 57-year-old Lemon of engaging in disrespectful and "diva-like" behavior, often targeting his female co-workers. Allegations include calling a female producer fat to her face, questioning O'Brien's racial identity, and sending a threatening text message to Phillips due to jealousy in 2008.

The report also detailed an incident in 2008 when Lemon allegedly vented his jealousy by tearing up pictures and leaving them on Phillips' desk after being passed over for her to cover the aftermath of the Iraq invasion. Phillips later received a threatening text message from Lemon while out with colleagues.

In response to the allegations, CNN defended Lemon, stating that the Variety story, authored by reporter Tatiana Segal, lacked "actual proof" and instead relied on "anonymous sources" and "unsubstantiated claims from 10 to 15 years ago." The network has also put Lemon through "formal training" following his controversial remarks about GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

Lemon issued a statement through a spokesperson, saying, "The story, which is riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence, is entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip. It's amazing and disappointing that Variety would be so reckless."

Inside CNN, staffers reportedly wish to move past the negative press surrounding Lemon and "get back to work."