Stephen A. Smith Launches Strong Defense of Arrested Journalist Don Lemon
Stephen A. Smith passionately defends journalist Don Lemon following his arrest on federal charges, asserting that supporters of the arrest undermine the First Amendment. Smith, a prominent sports commentator, expressed his views in a heated YouTube video, emphasizing Lemon’s long-standing career in journalism.
Lemon, 59, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Friday, facing accusations of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers during his coverage of anti-ICE protests at a Minnesota church earlier this month. He was released without bail and received permission to travel to France in June while the case proceeds.
Smith’s Fiery Critique of the Arrest
In his video, Smith declares, ‘Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press. Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. Don Lemon worked at CNN for 17 years.’ He highlights Lemon’s independent status, stating, ‘And just because you don’t have a specific organization that you’re working for, that’s where the word independence comes from. It doesn’t mean that your journalism credentials are stripped. Not when you’ve been doing it for decades like him. This is straight BS what he’s going through.’
Smith extends his call for solidarity across the journalism field, saying, ‘I’m a member of the press too and ain’t no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today. And that’s including anyone on the right. Anybody in journalism.’ He acknowledges potential risks in Lemon’s actions but maintains, ‘I’m not saying it was wise, I’m not saying I would have done it. I’m not saying he should have walked into a church to do interviews and stuff like that for a couple of minutes. But it don’t warrant this. You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment. You don’t support freedom of the press.’
Court Proceedings and Charges
A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and eight others for their roles in the January 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, describing how Lemon ‘knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.’
Prosecutors detail that the group planned the action via social media and a pre-protest briefing in a shopping center parking lot. Lemon live-streamed the event, reminding co-conspirators to keep the target secret and assuring an activist of his discretion. Inside the church, the defendants disrupted the service with shouts, whistles, and aggressive gestures, which the pastor and congregants interpreted as threats of violence.
The indictment notes Lemon’s interactions, including surrounding the pastor with questions to advance the protest’s message and commenting on a frightened young man’s reaction during the disruption.
Lemon’s Response and Legal Strategy
After the hearing, Lemon addressed reporters with defiance, stating, ‘I will not be silenced. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.’
His defense attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, confirms Lemon intends to plead not guilty and contest the charges in Minnesota. Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, emphasizes, ‘Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.’
During the incident, Lemon argued with the pastor, invoking, ‘There’s a Constitution and a First Amendment, and freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest.’ He clarified his role on his stream, saying, ‘I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist,’ while describing the scene and interviewing participants.
Lemon, who parted ways with CNN in 2023 after hosting challenges, now operates independently, frequently posting on YouTube and critiquing federal policies. He exited the courtroom alongside his husband, Tim Malone.
Civil rights advocates, including Rev. Al Sharpton, condemn the arrests as an assault on press freedoms under the current administration, likening it to a ‘sledgehammer’ to the First Amendment.
