Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been released without bail following a court appearance in Los Angeles on Friday, where he faced federal charges connected to his reporting on anti-ICE protests at a church in Minneapolis earlier this month. The 59-year-old journalist, who appeared in a white cream suit and sweater, is accused of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers.
Courtroom Drama and Legal Arguments
During his 20-minute appearance before Judge Patricia Donahue, Lemon did not enter a formal plea, but his lawyer Marilyn Bednarski informed the court that he would be pleading not guilty. Federal prosecutors had requested $100,000 bail, arguing that Lemon posed a flight risk and should have his passport surrendered. They also sought to restrict his travel to New York, where he resides, and Minnesota, where the case will be heard.
Lead government attorney Alexander Robbins described the charges as "a very serious felony" during the packed hearing, which was attended by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Lemon's husband Tim Malone, to whom the journalist blew a kiss. Bednarski countered vigorously, stating that restricting Lemon's travel as an international reporter would be "inappropriate" and emphasising his long-standing career in journalism since 1996.
Judge's Decision and Conditions
Judge Donahue ultimately rejected the prosecution's bail request, releasing Lemon on his own recognizance. She also permitted him to proceed with a planned sailing trip to France in June, provided it does not interfere with court proceedings in Minnesota, where his next hearing is scheduled for February 9. However, the judge imposed a condition that Lemon must have no contact with victims or witnesses in the case.
The charges stem from an incident at the Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18, where Lemon filmed protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The church was targeted because one of its pastors, David Easterwood, also leads the local ICE field office. During the protest, demonstrators screamed and harassed worshippers, sparking nationwide outrage.
First Amendment Defence and Public Reaction
In footage from the event, Lemon was seen arguing with a church pastor, asserting that his actions were protected by the First Amendment, including freedom of speech and assembly. He later boasted on Jennifer Welch's 'I've Had It' podcast that he was the "biggest name" at the protest, acknowledging his high profile as a gay, black man in America with a platform.
The White House mocked Lemon's arrest with a social media post captioned, "When life gives you lemons...", accompanying a black-and-white image of him inside the church. Lemon has maintained that he was at the protest as an independent journalist chronicling events, with no affiliation to the organising group. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a statement defending Lemon's work as "constitutionally protected" and criticising the charges as an attack on the First Amendment.
Broader Arrests and Investigation
Alongside Lemon, other protesters including Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly have been arrested in connection with the church incident. A source familiar with the investigation suggested that prosecutors considered Lemon might enjoy the publicity from his arrest, viewing it as a "downside" to charging him, with concerns he could portray himself as a martyr.
Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 and now hosts 'The Don Lemon Show' as a podcast and YouTube series, attended the Grammy's Recording Academy Honors in Los Angeles just before his arrest. His legal team has vowed to fight the charges vigorously, framing the case as a distraction from broader issues. The next court date is set for February 9 in Minnesota, where the legal battle over press freedoms and protest rights will continue to unfold.
