CNN has denied a report that former Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been suspended.
The ??? ?? ????report from Mediaite, which claimed Lewandowski had been suspended over the revelation that his consulting firm was still being paid by the Trump campaign, drew immediate attention in the media and an almost-immediate denial from CNN.
A CNN spokesperson told Mashablethat the report that Lewandowski had been suspended was false, and that he would be on TV later in the day.
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Lewandowski's role as a contributor to CNN has been controversial in no small part over allegations that he was still on the Trump payroll. Green Monster Consulting -- for which Lewandowski is the registered agent -- has been paid $20,000 by the Trump campaign in August and July.
Mediaitewalked back its report shortly after publication, changing its story to say that Lewandowski was prevented from appearing on a CNN show on Wednesday morning, a move that indicated he was "pulled, at least temporarily, by the cable news net."
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In a statement, the Trump campaign maintained that these payments are severance. They are listed in paper work as "strategy consulting."
"Corey Lewandowski, who is no longer involved in the campaign, continues to receive monthly severance payments. The campaign will continue to honor its contract with Mr. Lewandowski, which stipulates he will be paid through the end of the year. These payments are in no way compensation for services rendered," a Trump campaign spokesperson wrote in an email.
The claim that the payments are severance have not stopped critics from arguing that CNN is being irresponsible in putting Lewandowski on the air.
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Lewandowski has been a CNN contributor since June 23, when he joined the channel just days after having been let go by the Trump campaign. Lewandowski was already the center of controversy after grabbing a Breitbart reporter during a campaign event.
CNN CEO Jeff Zucker has stuck by the decision to hire and retain Lewandowski, saying in a recent company townhall that he brought balance to the channel's commentators.
Trump's FEC filings for July and August show a $20,000 payment to Green Monster Consulting, LLC.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable 
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable