Don Lemon, CNN host, has been accused of inappropriate behavior and alienating female co-workers throughout his nearly two-decade tenure at the news network, according to a revealing report by Variety. Alleged incidents include Lemon telling Soledad O'Brien she wasn't truly black and calling a female producer fat in front of her.

Lemon, who recently underwent sensitivity training following sexist remarks about GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley's age on air, is portrayed as a discontented individual prone to "diva-like behavior" in the Variety exposé.

Variety claims that Lemon sent anonymous, threatening text messages to fellow CNN journalist Kyra Phillips out of jealousy over her assignment covering the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq. One such message reportedly said, "Now you've crossed the line, and you're going to pay for it." The number was later traced back to Lemon. Following a CNN investigation into the texts, Lemon was removed from co-anchoring with Phillips and relegated to weekend duties.

A spokesperson for Lemon denied the incident, stating that CNN could not corroborate the alleged events from 15 years ago. Another spokesperson dismissed the Variety story as false, based on "unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip."

Variety also alleges that Lemon mocked former CNN and Headline News anchor Nancy Grace on air by imitating her. A person said to be close to Grace claimed she considered Lemon "an ass" due to his rudeness, dismissiveness, and lack of familiarity with the news content being discussed.

The report further claims that Lemon was known for bending company rules. After joining CNN in 2006, he began dating a junior staffer, despite the age and power imbalance. Lemon was also reportedly unhappy with O'Brien hosting the documentary series "Black in America" and, during an editorial call with around 30 staff members, questioned her racial identity.

O'Brien responded to the allegations, telling Variety, "Don has long had a habit of saying idiotic and inaccurate things, so it sounds pretty on brand for him."

The Variety report suggests that Lemon's friendship with Turner Broadcasting Chairman and CEO Phil Kent and the support of CNN President Jeff Zucker allowed him to avoid consequences for his behavior.