'They arrested the wrong Don': Jane Fonda slams Don Lemon’s arrest over Minnesota church protest

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The arrest of journalist Don Lemon on the night of Thursday, January 29, ignited a fresh clash between the Trump administration and press freedom advocates.

By Friday afternoon, the backlash spilled into the streets as civil rights groups, local organizers, and high-profile supporters, including longtime activist and actress Jane Fonda, rallied outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building, vowing to defend journalists’ rights and press freedom.

Jane Fonda addresses reporters while protesting in support of Don Lemon

Outside the courthouse, Jane Fonda spoke with reporters, explaining that she was attending on behalf of the Committee for the First Amendment, a coalition of about 3,000 entertainment industry professionals organized to defend constitutional protections.

“The arrest of Don Lemon doing his journalistic duty is one page more out of an authoritarian playbook,” Fonda said. “Enough is enough. We have to fight to protect our rights.”

Describing Lemon as “a professional journalist,” Fonda said he and his producer were “doing their job, nothing more, nothing less,” and cautioned that efforts to undermine his credibility after the arrest followed a well-worn script.

“They’ll make up all kinds of defamatory things to say about him,” she said. “That’s what autocrats do. We can’t fall for it. We cannot be silent.” At one moment, Fonda underscored the symbolic weight of the arrest with a remark, “They arrested the wrong Don.”

Jonathan Lovitz, senior vice president for campaigns and communications at the Human Rights Campaign, said the organization acted swiftly after learning of the arrests, viewing them as part of a broader and increasingly aggressive stance toward independent journalism. “HRC is doing what we do best. We hear about an injustice, and we show up,” Lovitz said in an interview with 'The Advocate.'

He noted that the Los Angeles rally was organized through HRC’s local network and partner organizations, with prominent allies joining as news spread. “This is indeed what fascism looks like,” Lovitz said, calling freedom of the press “the cornerstone of our society.”

Emphasizing solidarity with the journalist, he added, “Don Lemon is one of our own,” and warned, “What is happening to him is happening to far too many people across this country who are standing up, telling the truth, and speaking truth to power."

Don Lemon released without having to post bail

Don Lemon has been released after being arrested while reporting on a protest at a church in Minnesota. His lawyer, Marilyn Bednarski, said he plans to plead not guilty. “He’s committed to fighting this case,” she said.

At a hearing on Friday in a downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse, US District Judge Patricia Donahue allowed Lemon to go free without having to post bail. Prosecutors have charged him under federal law, claiming he crossed the line from protected news reporting into interfering with other people’s right to practice their religion.

As part of his release conditions, Lemon is not allowed to contact any alleged victims, witnesses, or other defendants. He must also get approval before traveling outside the country, though the judge allowed him to keep plans for a trip to France in June.

During the brief court appearance, prosecutors asked the judge to set bail at $100,000, limit Lemon’s travel to New York, Minnesota, and Washington, DC, and require him to give up his passport. US Attorney Alexander Robbins argued that Lemon committed a “very serious felony,” accusing him of taking part in a “mob that terrorized people in a place of worship.”

Don Lemon says 'I will not be silenced' after release

After the hearing, Don Lemon spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, saying his arrest violated his First Amendment rights. “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” he said.

The former CNN host added that this moment makes independent journalism more important than ever, saying it is needed “to shine a light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.” Lemon also insisted, “I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”

Lemon is facing charges of conspiracy against rights, which prohibits groups from intimidating people for practicing their religion, and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a law meant to protect access to health care facilities and places of worship. Federal prosecutors have also charged another journalist, Georgia Fort, who entered the church to report on the protest.