Life after CNN sees Don Lemon take on the Trump administration and conservatives as an independent journalist. Now that led to his arrest.
Don Lemon’s focus as an independent journalist has changed dramatically.
The 59-year-old former CNN anchor, who was ousted from the network for making sexist and ageist comments, was arrested on Friday, January 30, weeks after covering a protest inside a church in Minnesota on January 18, according to the New York Times and CBS News.
Lemon, whose attorney Abby Lowell called the arrest “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment,” was one of several journalists who attended the Cities Church protest in St. Paul, Minnesota. The church is reportedly pastored by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
USA TODAY has reached out to Lemon’s attorney for comment.
Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?
CNN offered no explanation when Lemon was fired in 2023, with CNN’s then-CEO Chris Licht saying only in a statement that Lemon and the network had “parted ways.” However, Lemon’s resignation from the agency after 17 years was announced weeks earlier amid allegations of misogyny.
He was accused of making offensive remarks about women. Variety reported at the time that Lemon made offensive comments about former colleagues Nancy Grace and Soledad O’Brien on air and in meetings. At the time, a representative for Lemon told USA TODAY that the report contained “obviously false anecdotes” and “anonymous gossip from 15 years ago.”
Lemon has caused controversy many times with his on-air comments. He once said that then-presidential candidate Nikki Haley was “not in her prime” and that “women are considered to be in their prime in their 20s, 30s and maybe 40s,” but after being asked to explain, he added: “I’m not saying I agree with that.” Lemon later I apologized I appreciate his comments before he left the airwaves and returned.
He also faced backlash for comments about women’s soccer and for telling Bill Cosby’s accuser how to avoid assault, telling him, “If you don’t want to give oral sex, there are ways not to do it.” Lemon later apologized.
Don Lemon pivots to YouTube show, independent journalism
The journalist has launched “The Don Lemon Show,” which will be streamed twice a day and shared as a podcast on multiple platforms in 2024. (The show also briefly hosted on X before clashing with Elon Musk.) Lemon’s work now includes an edgy YouTube channel that boasts 1 million followers and social media content that leans heavily toward criticism of President Donald Trump, his administration, and policies.
During his interview at the epicenter of the arrest, he streamed nearly seven hours on his YouTube channel, speaking with members of his congregation, protesters and one of the church’s pastors. At one point during the livestream, Lemon said, “I’m going to be as respectful as possible. I’m not here to intimidate anyone. I’m just here to go on the record and get answers.”
He added: “This is something you get in independent journalism that you don’t get in corporate media.”
Lemon is one of several anchors to pivot to independent journalism, including former anchors Megyn Kelly and Katie Couric.
Don Lemon arrested after saying he wants Nicki Minaj to go to jail
Mr. Lemon’s independent stance has allowed the journalist to speak out more and respond more quickly to criticism. This includes a sharp response to Nicki Minaj’s call for Lemon’s arrest over ICE’s coverage of protests.
In the X post, Minaj called Lemon “disgusting” and used an anti-gay slur. “Is that what it is? I want that thug in jail!” Minaj wrote in all caps on January 19th. She then doubled down on her use of the slur.
In an Instagram video that day, Lemon criticized Minaj’s posts as “wild” and “homophobic.”
“You’re out of line,” Lemon said, before questioning Minaj’s citizenship. The former anchor also elevated Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, to his status as a registered Level 2 sex offender. “You have the nerve to say what you think about me and what I do,” Lemon said. “Nicki Minaj, please live. Please stop choosing me.”
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