Veteran actress and activist Jane Fonda launched a stinging rebuke of former President Donald Trump during a public appearance outside a federal courthouse in Los Angeles on Friday. The 88-year-old Hollywood icon stood in solidarity with ousted CNN anchor Don Lemon, who faced a court hearing following his arrest over a pro-immigration protest at a church in Minnesota earlier this month.
Fonda's Fiery Defence of Lemon
Addressing assembled protesters with characteristic passion, Fonda delivered a pointed critique of the current administration's handling of the case. 'They arrested the wrong Don,' she told the crowd, in a clear swipe at the commander-in-chief. The Barbarella star emphasised Lemon's professional credentials, stating: 'Don Lemon is a professional journalist. He, and his producer, were doing their job. Nothing more, nothing less. And he's been arrested.'
Fonda invoked her personal connection to the media landscape, referencing her third ex-husband, media mogul Ted Turner, who founded CNN. 'I know Don Lemon. My husband created CNN. And I will fight for their right to speak, which is guaranteed in our constitution,' she declared to supporters gathered outside the courthouse.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Decision
Inside the courtroom, Lemon appeared before Judge Patricia Donahue on federal charges relating to his coverage of anti-ICE protests at the Cities Church in St Paul on January 18. The 59-year-old journalist, sporting a white suit and cream sweater, did not enter a formal plea during his twenty-minute appearance, but his lawyer Marilyn Bednarski indicated he would plead not guilty.
The hearing saw prosecutors request $100,000 bail, along with travel restrictions and the surrender of Lemon's passport. Government attorney Alexander Robbins described the case as 'a very serious felony,' while Bednarski countered that her client was neither a flight risk nor a danger, having been a journalist since 1996.
In a significant development, Judge Donahue rejected the prosecution's bail request, releasing Lemon on his own recognizance. She permitted him to proceed with a planned sailing trip to France in June, provided it doesn't interfere with court proceedings in Minnesota, where his next hearing is scheduled for February 9.
White House Mockery and Wider Context
The White House responded to Lemon's arrest with pointed sarcasm. The official Trump administration account posted a black and white image of Lemon inside the church with the caption: 'When life gives you lemons...' This digital mockery underscored the politically charged nature of the case.
Lemon faces charges of conspiracy to deprive rights and violation of the FACE Act, which prohibits interfering with someone's right to worship. The incident at the Minnesota church saw protesters scream and harass worshippers, with Lemon capturing footage that showed him arguing with a pastor who called his antics 'shameless.'
Journalistic Integrity and Public Reaction
Fonda used her platform to issue a broader call to action, urging Americans to defend constitutional rights. 'We are not ready to sit and be quiet. We have to speak up. Every American who believes in our constitution has to speak up,' she told the crowd. The actress warned against authoritarian tactics, stating: 'And they'll make up all kinds of defamatory things to say about him. That's what they're doing. This is how autocrats act.'
Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 and now hosts The Don Lemon Show as an independent journalist, has maintained that his behaviour was protected by the First Amendment. On a recent podcast, he acknowledged being the 'biggest name' at the protest, while his producers suggested his identity as a gay black man with a platform made him a target.
The case has attracted significant attention, with Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass and Lemon's husband Tim Malone attending the hearing. Prosecutors reportedly considered that Lemon might enjoy the publicity from his arrest, with one source suggesting he could 'write a book and act like he's a martyr.' However, authorities emphasised the need to enforce laws against disrupting religious services.
As the legal process continues, Fonda's vocal support highlights the intersection of celebrity activism, media freedom, and political tension in contemporary America. The actress promised to continue speaking out on behalf of journalists, framing the case as a fundamental test of constitutional protections in an increasingly polarised climate.
