Don Lemon gets standing ovation at Clive Davis pre-Grammy party days after arrest
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Don Lemon received a warm and highly visible show of support at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy Awards party, where the longtime journalist was greeted with a standing ovation from an A-list crowd.
The moment came just days after Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-ICE protest, making his reception at the star-studded Beverly Hills event all the more striking. The gala, held at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, January 31, marked Lemon’s first major public appearance since the incident.
Lemon appeared relaxed and upbeat as he attended the event alongside his husband, Tim Malone, according to reports.
Don Lemon felt 'deeply supported' at Star-Studded Gala
Lemon later shared a video from inside the venue that captured the standing ovation as several high-profile guests applauded him. The crowd included notable figures such as Martha Stewart, Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Stevie Wonder, Colman Domingo, Frankie Valli, Lana Del Rey, and Karol G.
In his caption, Lemon expressed gratitude for the reception and the invitation, writing, “Thank you, Clive Davis, for having us and for such an extraordinary welcome. Feeling deeply supported right now!”
The public show of solidarity came amid heightened scrutiny following Lemon’s recent arrest, which had sparked debate online and across media circles.
Arrest Stemmed From Anti-ICE Church Protest
Lemon was taken into custody after allegedly participating in an anti-ICE protest held inside a church in Minnesota. Authorities claimed his involvement went beyond observation, though Lemon has strongly disputed that account.
The former CNN anchor maintained that he was present strictly in a journalistic capacity and was reporting on the protest rather than taking part in it.
He was released the following day, January 30, on personal recognizance.
Lemon Vows to Continue Reporting Despite Arrest
After his release, Lemon addressed the situation publicly, thanking supporters and reaffirming his commitment to journalism.
“I wanna thank everybody for their support, it truly means the world to me,” he said. “I had no idea what was going on because obviously I have not seen anything.”
Lemon went on to stress that the incident would not deter him from his work. “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,” he said.
He added that the current moment underscores the importance of press freedom, saying it is “no more important time than right now… for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”
The standing ovation at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party appeared to reinforce that message, signaling strong support from peers across entertainment, politics, and media.
