Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
“I think it made most women cringe, to be honest,” Vargas, 60, who will soon hostElizabeth Vargas Reportsfor NewsNation starting April 3, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “It’s preposterous to say that a woman peaks in her 20s, 30s and 40s. I mean, unless you’re talking strictly and exclusively reproductively, in every other way — life experience, job experience, and especially in this business — experience matters.”
Noting that “it’s not just in television news, it’s in Hollywood,” Vargas compares the two, stating, “We’ve had many, many stellar, incredible actresses talk about the lack of roles for women over a certain age … and a lot of it is a double bind. Women are in a double bind. They really are. They’re very, very criticized, so it was disheartening to hear [what Lemon said.]”
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“You have to be quick on your feet, and in this case, he made a mistake, [though] the biggest mistake wasn’t in what he said, but in doubling down and not seeing clearly when Poppy [Harlow] tried to correct him,” she continues. “I think if, in the moment, he had just backed off and said, ‘You’re right. What a dumb thing I just said. So sorry,’ We would not be talking about this right now.”
“I know it can be really hard, and there’s a lot going on, but you look at someone likeBarbara Walterswho did this until [she was] in her late 80s, and she was just thriving,” she says.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Vargas similarly points to another pioneering woman journalist,Diane Sawyer, who she says is “still doing documentaries for ABC at her age, and according to that timetable, she would be decades past her prime.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she adds. “She’s still doing remarkable, extraordinary work that wins awards, the most prestigious awards our business gives out … so it’s just crazy.”
“We are so judged on our appearance and … [if you are to be told] once you’re in your 50s or in your 60s … you’re irrelevant and past your due date, or you’ve expired, that would be a shame,” Vargas continues.
“We would lose incredible talent and expertise and insight and know-how and savvy from generations of women who are a lot to still offer,” she adds.
RELATED VIDEO: Don Lemon Is Overcome with Emotion as He Shares News of CNN Colleague Drew Griffin’s Death at Age 60
Lemon made remarks about Republican presidential candidate Haley, 51, being “past her prime” during a Feb. 16 episode ofCNN This Morning, while discussing politicians' ages in a segment with co-hosts Harlow, 40, and Kaitlan Collins — the latter of whom was in Warsaw.
Lemon continued, “She says … politicians are not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”
Viewers were quick to call Lemon’s remarks sexist and ageist, with many also highlighting that he is five years older than Haley.
Don Lemon.John Lamparski/WireImage
“I appreciate this opportunity to be back onCNN This Morningtoday,” he wrote. “To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience —I’m sorry. I’ve heard you. I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better.See you soon.”
source: people.com
