CNN's Don Lemon Holds Up N-Word Sign On-Air, Asks, "Does This Offend You?"

The stunt was the latest controversy to involve Lemon.

Don Lemon can't help but attract controversy.

The CNN Tonight host waded into the debate about President Barack Obama's recent use of the N-word on Marc Maron's WTF podcast by holding up a sign with the racial epithet written in large capital letters and then asking the audience whether the word offended them. Lemon also tried to conflate the controversy around the N-word with the visual offense caused by the Confederate flag.

Lemon's attempts to provoke debate didn't seem to work judging by the reaction on Twitter, where his actions were met with a storm of ridicule, protest and genuine bewilderment.

Marc Maron provides the thoughtful interview, Don Lemon provides the absurdist comedy. This is the world we live in. — Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) June 23, 2015

When life gives you Don Lemon's, turn the channel. — Gideon Klein (@GideonKlein) June 23, 2015

Vaguely aware that Don Lemon did something unwise tonight... — Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) June 23, 2015

It’s clear that CNN has become more interested in the controversy Don Lemon garners than in his integrity as a news man. — Amanda Seales (@amandaseales) June 23, 2015

C’mon, Don Lemon, you have to at least give a spoiler alert. pic.twitter.com/mzmkC41nPW — Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) June 23, 2015