Don Lemon's defense of himself after being arrested last month on federal charges relates not only to his role as a journalist, but also to the biblical passage he referenced in an attempt to justify his actions.
Lemon was released without bail last Friday and has taken to writing about his arrest and subsequent detention, drawing parallels between his situation and that of historic journalists and civil rights figures who faced similar challenges. In a recent post on his Substack, Lemon wrote: "The truth shall set you free," quoting John 8:32, suggesting that as a journalist, he was acting in the public interest when he disrupted church services at St. Paul's Cities Church.
However, prosecutors disagree, arguing that Lemon coordinated with anti-ICE protest organizers prior to their arrival and caused significant disruption to the service. According to a federal affidavit, parishioners reported agitators terrorizing them, yelling in their faces, and intimidating parishioners, forcing the church to be cut short.
Lemon drew attention earlier this month when he livestreamed activists entering the church during Sunday services. While claiming he was acting as a journalist, his actions were met with criticism from some who felt that his role was more that of an internet provocateur.
Despite these allegations, Lemon likens his arrest to the treatment of civil rights leaders and journalists like Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and James Baldwin, who faced punishment for challenging power. He wrote: "Press freedom only exists so long as it does not challenge those in power." Lemon also stated that the First Amendment protects accountability, not convenience.
Prosecutors have charged Lemon with conspiracy to deprive rights and a FACE Act violation stemming from his involvement in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted church services.
Lemon was released without bail last Friday and has taken to writing about his arrest and subsequent detention, drawing parallels between his situation and that of historic journalists and civil rights figures who faced similar challenges. In a recent post on his Substack, Lemon wrote: "The truth shall set you free," quoting John 8:32, suggesting that as a journalist, he was acting in the public interest when he disrupted church services at St. Paul's Cities Church.
However, prosecutors disagree, arguing that Lemon coordinated with anti-ICE protest organizers prior to their arrival and caused significant disruption to the service. According to a federal affidavit, parishioners reported agitators terrorizing them, yelling in their faces, and intimidating parishioners, forcing the church to be cut short.
Lemon drew attention earlier this month when he livestreamed activists entering the church during Sunday services. While claiming he was acting as a journalist, his actions were met with criticism from some who felt that his role was more that of an internet provocateur.
Despite these allegations, Lemon likens his arrest to the treatment of civil rights leaders and journalists like Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and James Baldwin, who faced punishment for challenging power. He wrote: "Press freedom only exists so long as it does not challenge those in power." Lemon also stated that the First Amendment protects accountability, not convenience.
Prosecutors have charged Lemon with conspiracy to deprive rights and a FACE Act violation stemming from his involvement in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted church services.
. and btw, isn't it weird how he's drawing parallels between himself and these civil rights figures? like, they were fighting for real change, not just getting a free pass for being "tough" on power 
. and what's with the quote from john 8:32? trying to sound all deep and spiritual or something? 
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how Don Lemon is drawing parallels between himself and civil rights figures... Like, isn't he kinda putting himself on the same level as Malcolm X or something? 
And honestly, I'm not sure if livestreaming activists entering a church is exactly journalistic integrity 
. The fact that parishioners reported feeling intimidated and agitated by activists is a big deal, and it doesn't seem like Lemon took responsibility for that in his post 
. At the same time, I do think Press freedom is an important concept, and we need journalists to hold power accountable 
. Maybe Don Lemon's actions went too far, but I'm still waiting to see how this plays out 
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. I'm trying to get my head around it, but honestly, it's like he's trying to stir up drama 
. He quotes John 8:32 all over the place, like that's gonna fly with the judges and prosecutors 
. Meanwhile, there are allegations that he coordinated with protesters, who were allegedly getting aggressive with churchgoers 
. It's like, okay Don, you're a journalist, but did you need to be so confrontational? 
, but there's a fine line between that and being an internet provocateur 
. Prosecutors are saying one thing, but Lemon is drawing parallels with civil rights figures who faced similar challenges 
, but for now, I'm just gonna sit back and watch 
. The thing is, as a journalist he should be reporting facts not creating drama. And what about those parishioners who got intimidated by activists? Didnt they deserve some peace on Sundays? 
I mean Im all for standing up against ICE and protesting but theres a time and a place... church is def not the spot 
. And let's be real, if he was really just trying to protect press freedom, why not just report on the issue from outside the church like a normal journalist? He had to go and get all up in their grill 
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And yeah, I can see how prosecutors might say he coordinated with anti-ICE protesters, which does sound suspicious.
It's not just about getting attention or stirring up controversy - it's about holding people in power accountable for their actions. And let's be real, Don Lemon has a pretty big platform and influence, so what he does matters.
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. And now he's trying to spin it like he was just doing his job as a journalist? Please, Don, you're not fooling anyone 
. And what's up with livestreaming activists entering the church? Wasn't that just a publicity stunt? 
maybe the first amendment isn't always a free pass for accountability...
And what about those protesters who said they were intimidated by agitators?! That sounds super sketchy! 
I don't know if Lemon's actions are justified or not, but it's definitely got a lot of people talking... and wondering how far the truth really goes in this situation 
. But at the same time, I can get why Don Lemon felt compelled to take a stand, especially with all the ICE drama going on. The question is, where do we draw the line between free speech and reckless behavior? And let's be real, the First Amendment isn't always about convenience, it's about accountability