CNN's Don Lemon apologizes for saying Nikki Haley 'isn't in her prime'

CNN "This Morning" co-anchor Don Lemon has apologized for remarks made about 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, saying she wasn't "in her prime."

"The reference I made to a woman’s “prime” this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it," Lemon tweeted Thursday. "A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day."

During a segment on his show earlier in the day, Lemon said, "Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry, when a woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, and 30s, and maybe 40s …"

Co-anchor Poppy Harlow responded with "Are you talking about prime for like child bearing?"

Lemon replied: "Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just saying what the facts are! Google it!"

51-year-old Haley announced her candidacy Tuesday and held her first rally Wednesday.

As of now, the former South Carolina governor is the only Republican who has announced candidacy for the primary election other than former president Donald Trump.