Falcons,James Pearce, Arrested , Domestic Dispute
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 3, 2026

This Student Activist Helped Don Lemon Cover Minneapolis ICE Protest Then He Got Arrested

Before his arrest, Richardson posted a public plea for support on social media.

The Department of Justice has arrested a student activist who helped Don Lemon as he covered the ICE protest in Minneapolis.

NBC News confirmed federal agents detained 21-year-old Jerome Richardson on Feb. 2, over his involvement in the controversial protest that took place at a Minneapolis church. Trump officials confirmed the arrest on social media, as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned Richardson’s demonstration in the religious building.

“If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you,” wrote Bondi on X.

However, before his detention, Richardson posted a public plea for support on social media. He confirmed his assistance to Don Lemon’s on-the-ground coverage in the area as he feared his imminent arrest.

“With an indictment looming, I fear for my safety and the threat of public doxing. Having overcome many obstacles to reach this point, I really hope to be able to complete this semester and graduate and earn my degree,” said the Temple University student, also revealing his upbringing in the St. Paul area.

Richardson continued, noting how he provided resources and connections for Lemon during the Jan. 18 demonstration.

“At that time, I was proud to support his work in exposing the everyday injustices resulting from the federal government’s agenda. As a consequence of this support, I’m now being targeted by Trump and the federal administration.”

In his message, he called out the pastor of the church, David Easter, arguing that Easter’s support for ICE contradicts Christian principles.

“Yet this is the price of being unapologetic about humanity and love of Christ. And I support the activists who felt compelled to highlight the hypocrisy of how Pastor David Easter, who could simultaneously be a pastor at the church and the local leader of ice operations. What people are experiencing goes against human and civil rights as well as the teachings of Jesus…,” he continued.

In his urgent call to action, the student activist asked supporters to pray for him and to donate to his GoFundMe. The crowdfunding effort will go toward his legal fees as he prepares to face a federal legal battle. As of Feb. 3, the fundraiser has earned almost $35K of its $40K goal.

“Pray for my safety and my peace of mind,” concluded Richardson. “Do not stop fighting against this oppressive system, and Please support my legal defense fund, as I am in dire need of you all’s financial support and emotional support as well as prayers.”

His arrest follows Don Lemon’s own detainment over the matter. Lemon’s arrest at a Beverly Hills hotel ahead of the Grammy Awards weekend also garnered national headlines. Lemon was later released.

RELATED CONTENT: Don Lemon Says He Was Detained To ‘Embarrass’ Him

Queen Latifah, vote, Kamala Harris
by Kandiss Edwards

February 3, 2026

Queen Latifah Celebrates Her Partner Eboni Nichols’ Work As Grammy Producer

In a post on Instagram, Latifah shared a doting message acknowledging the hard work of her partner of over a decade.

Queen Latifah publicly paid tribute to her partner, Eboni Nichols, after her long-term partner served as a producer for the 2026 Grammy Awards.

In a post on Instagram, Latifah shared a doting message acknowledging the hard work of her partner of over a decade. Nichols has produced and choreographed in Hollywood for years with little acknowledgement. Yet the Owner of E. Nichols Productions had a hand in producing “music’s biggest night.”

 In the post, Latifah wrote, “Eboni Nichols! I couldn’t be more proud of you for being a Producer on this year’s Grammy Awards. I ❤️ watching your dreams come true, baby!” The Queen included images of Her Queen smiling with visible joy. 

Latifah also acknowledged the larger production team’s contribution to the ceremony. In the same post, she wrote, “Shout out to the Executive Producers Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins. You all are elevating the biggest night in music to a whole new level.”

Nichols has an established career in dance and choreography and has worked professionally in the entertainment industry prior to her role on the Grammy production. Her work on the 2026 ceremony marked a career-accelerating credit for the 47-year-old. Latifah. In addition to the Grammys, Nichols has worked on multiple productions as a choreographer. Her credits include the Oscars, Dream Girls, The Kennedy Center Honors, and American Music Awards. 

As their careers continue to thrive, Nichols and Latifah have the honor of being parents. In 2019, the women celebrated the birth of their son, Rebel. Beyond the reveal of his name, Rebel only makes rare public appearances with his famous mothers. As Nichols continues her ascent in Hollywood and Latifah continues on her 3-decade run in the industry, the public may see more of the 5-year-old.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Its Getting Hot In Here’ Queen Latifah Partners With WeightWatchers To Bring Menopause Awareness

Bible, Trump, Oklahoma, IVF, education
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 3, 2026

Trump Puts Battery In GOP Back To ‘Nationalize’—Or Take Over—Future Elections 

“The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that I won that show I didn't win. You're gonna see something in Georgia," Trump told former FBI Director Dan Bongino.

Democratic leaders and critics are urging voters to pay attention after President Donald Trump made alarming comments urging Republicans to “nationalize” and take over future elections as the 2026 midterm elections heat up. 

During an interview with former FBI Director Dan Bongino, who resigned in December to return to his podcast seat, the president encouraged Republican leaders to “nationalize” voting while blaming immigrants for voting illegally and making false statements regarding the electoral process. “These people were brought to our country to vote, and they vote illegally. The Republicans should say, ‘We should take over the voting in at least 15 places,’” Trump said on “The Dan Bongino Show.” 

“The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that I won that show I didn’t win. You’re gonna see something in Georgia.”

He doubled down on his plans in a lengthy Truth Social post, claiming he will eliminate mail-in ballots and the “highly inaccurate, very expensive, and seriously controversial voting machines.” Trump, of course, blamed things on the Democratic Party, with a goal of signing an executive order before the midterm elections take off. “We will begin this effort, which will be strongly opposed by the Democrats because they cheat at levels never seen before, by signing an executive order to help bring honesty to the 2026 midterm elections,” he wrote. 

The timing is significant as in late January 2026, FBI agents raided the Fulton County, Georgia, elections hub with warrants to seize ballots, voter rolls, and scanner images, according to ABC News. However, it has been proven time and time again since the 2020 election that there is no evidence to support his claims of voter fraud. 

In fact, former members of Trump’s own cabinet were found guilty of trying to bribe election booth workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss to sway the votes in his favor after losing to former President Joe Biden. 

Then there was the bombshell recording from Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, alerting the 47th president to how unhappy American voters are with rising costs due to the war on tariffs and warning him about what lies ahead in the midterm elections. “Mr. President, if we get to November of [2026] and people’s 401(k)s are down 30% and prices are up 10–20% at the supermarket, we’re going to go into Election Day, face a bloodbath,” Cruz was heard saying. 

“You’re going to lose the House, you’re going to lose the Senate, you’re going to spend the next two years being impeached every single week.”

Given the uptick in support for Democratic leadership, Trump’s agenda is at risk in the upcoming midterms, as all House seats and 35 Senate seats are at risk of a switch. Democrats are crafting a game plan to prepare for potential interference from federal authorities in state elections. “This is now a legitimate planning category. It’s extraordinarily sad, but it would be irresponsible for us to disregard the possibility,” Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said during the annual winter meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

The chamber’s top Democrat, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, slammed Trump’s comments, calling them “outlandishly illegal.” “Just a few hours ago, Donald Trump said he wants to nationalize elections around the country. That’s what Trump said. You think he believes in democracy? He said, ‘We want to take over, the Republicans ought to nationalize the voting,'” the New York lawmaker said.

“Does Donald Trump need a copy of the Constitution? What he is saying is outlandishly illegal.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jessica Care Moore Pens A Poem About The ‘Disgrace’ That Is Nicki Minaj

Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 3, 2026

No Progress Made In WNBA Salary Negotiations

This is a disappointing outcome for the union.

After the WNBA met with representatives of its players for about three hours on Feb. 2, both sides left with no salary agreement in place and no counteroffer from the league to its last offer to the union.

According to Front Office Sports, the first meeting since December made no progress on any issues between the two sides. It’s been almost two months since the WNBA presented the WNBPA with its latest offer, and the union was just notified that the league will begin responding to the union’s counteroffer.

This was a disappointing outcome for the union, which had hoped for a positive response to its request.

“They volunteered that they did not have a proposal prepared at the top of the meeting,” Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, said to Front Office Sports. “That kind of set the tone for the conversation because we were hoping to hear otherwise.”

This meeting was an opportunity for both sides to share their thinking on the last proposal and explain their rationale. It also gave players and owners the chance to connect and ask the other side questions.

Joining Ogwumike were Vice President Alysha Clark, Treasurer Brianna Turner, and Stefanie Dolson, a player rep for the Washington Mystics. Other players, including Vice Presidents Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, and Secretary Elizabeth Williams, joined the meeting via Zoom. Approximately 40 players also attended via video conference.

The league’s last offer guarantees players a maximum base salary of $1 million, starting this upcoming season, that could rise to $1.3 million through revenue sharing. The last CBA had a maximum cap of $249,000. Players would receive more than 70% of net revenue. That would be after all expenses are paid. Those expenses would include better amenities for players, such as upgraded facilities, charter flights, and five-star hotels.

The average salary would increase to more than $530,000, which is more than the current $120,000, and grow to more than $770,000 over the life of the agreement. The minimum salary would be up from $67,000 to approximately $250,000 in the first year.

The union responded with a proposal that players receive approximately 30% of gross revenue. The player’s cut would be from money generated before expenses for the first year, while giving teams a $10.5 million salary cap to sign players. They would also want the revenue-sharing percentage to go up each season.

RELATED CONTENT: NBA And WNBA Players Speak Out After Federal Agents Fatally Shoot Alex Pretti

Trevor Noah, Grammys, hosting, comedy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 3, 2026

Trump Threatens To Sue Trevor Noah Over Epstein Island Joke: ‘I’m Going To Have Some Fun With You’

Donald Trump is threatening legal action against Trevor Noah for his Epstein island joke at the Grammys.

Donald Trump is threatening to sue Trevor Noah after the comedian included an Epstein Island joke about the president while hosting the Grammys Award ceremony.

While hosting the Feb. 1 Grammys, Noah joked about Trump’s Epstein ties and desires for Greenland, prompting Trump to issue a lengthy Truth Social threat afterward.

“That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” Noah said. “Which makes sense, I mean, because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out on with Bill Clinton.”

But Trump called out the joke, claiming not “until tonight’s false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media.” 

“Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast,” he wrote. “It looks like I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty$.”

“Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!” Trump added.

Trump, who has a history of suing media outlets over coverage he calls defamatory, referenced his past lawsuits against ABC and CBS News — both of which ended in multimillion-dollar settlements — in his Truth Social threat to Noah. He has previously denied visiting Epstein’s island, claiming they fell out years before Epstein’s 2019 death in jail, and claimed he kicked Epstein out from Mar-a-Lago for “taking people that worked for me.”

However, the recent release of unredacted Epstein files, which reportedly includes over 5,300 documents with 38,000 references to Trump, his wife, and Mar-a-Lago, has sparked renewed criticism over his alleged ties to the late sex offender. Amid the files’ release, Trump is attempting to distance himself from the late sex offender, saying the two were never friends.

”Not only wasn’t I friendly with Jeffrey Epstein but, based upon information that has just been released by the Department of Justice, Epstein and a SLEAZEBAG lying ‘author’ named Michael Wolff, conspired in order to damage me and/or my Presidency,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“So much for the Radical Left’s hope against hope, some of whom I’ll be suing. Additionally, unlike so many people that like to ‘talk’ trash, I never went to the infested Epstein island but, almost all of these Crooked Democrats, and their Donors, did.”

RELATED CONTENT: White House Fuming Over Jeffrey Epstein Birthday Card On The Mall

Jeeter, Super Bowl, Game Day, apparel, MArshawn Lynch, Ricky Williams
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 3, 2026

Jeeter Announces Super Bowl Partnerships With Ricky Williams, Calvin Johnson Jr., and Marshawn Lynch

The players will appear in three locations in California and Michigan

Jeeter has announced a partnership with former NFL players Ricky Williams, Calvin Johnson Jr., and Marshawn Lynch for its annual Game Day Limited Drop during Super Bowl Weekend.

Just in time for the upcoming Super Bowl Weekend, the cannabis brand has collaborated with the former players over the next three days, Feb. 3-5, for appearances at three locations in California and Michigan. Lynch will be at NUG San Leandro in San Leandro, California (south of Oakland), on Feb. 3, and Johnson will appear at Primitiv in Niles, Michigan, the next day. Then, on Feb. 5, Williams and Johnson will be at Purple Lotus in San Jose, California.

The 2026 Game Day Limited Drop will have limited-edition release blends with exclusive strains, collector-grade packaging, and an upcoming apparel capsule for fans, collectors, and cannabis enthusiasts.

“I only do partnerships that feel real,” said Lynch in a written statement. “This drop is loud in the right way. The mini locker is hard, the whole presentation is hard, and it is built for people who really want something limited they can keep.”

The packaging of the latest drop is what will draw customers to the product. The collection comes in mini football lockers wrapped in football leather. Inside the makeshift locker is a player-specific interior that draws on that player’s career moments, legacy, and identity.

Each strain comes in the player’s own line. Williams’ “Sticky Ricky,” Johnson’s “Megachron,” and Lynch’s “Beast Quake.”

“I approach everything with authenticity and purpose,” said Johnson Jr. “This partnership embodies those traits along with quality and consistency, and the collector design cements this as a premium product.”

Consumers can also purchase the limited-edition 2026 Game Day Apparel Capsule. There will be three versions, each correlated with a player and curated for their platform: Highsman, Primitiv, and Dodi.

“The best part of this is meeting the people who support it,” said Williams. “When you can connect the story, the product, and the community in person, that is when it becomes more than a drop.”

The Jeeter Game Day Limited Drop will launch in various dispensaries across California, Arizona, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York on Friday, Feb. 6, at 4:20 p.m. Product information and release dates are available at jeeter.com and on Instagram at @jeeter.

RELATED CONTENT: Don Lemon Arrested After Anti-ICE Church Protest, Lawyer Calls It An ‘Attack On The First Amendment’

Cash out, atlanta
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 3, 2026

Atlanta Housing Authority Exec Pleads Guilty To Stealing $300K In Housing, Pandemic Relief Funds

Tracey Jones admitted to stealing the money to pay herself rent.

A former executive with the Atlanta Housing Authority will see significant jail time after pleading guilty to a fraud scheme.

During her time as senior vice president at the AHA, Tracey Jones allegedly stole more than $300,000 in federal housing and pandemic funds. In a federal courtroom Feb. 2, Jones pleaded guilty to the crimes, entering a plea over the matter.

According to WSB-TV, the charges included conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud, and credit application fraud. In the plea agreement, she admitted to unlawfully taking the money distributed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

The indictment states that she stole the money through several means, including falsifying documents to help her family members cash in on the scheme. The agency helps local residents with affordable housing through various programs and resources, including rent vouchers from the Georgia DCA that Jones used.

Jones had her son’s girlfriend apply for funds to pay rent for a home Jones owed, totaling to $63,000 in misallocated funds. Furthermore, the prosecution claimed Jones fabricated another identity to gain another $36,000 from federal pandemic relief dollars.

The disingenuous behavior continued on, with Jones reportedly going as far as staging a domestic violence incident to get the housing vouchers approved. However, her biggest payout came from faking more paperwork to get almost $300k to cover the mortgage on the home she rented out.

Former employees at the agency called the findings “devastating,” especially since the money was intended to help Atlanta families in actual need.

“I think it’s devastating. When I saw the story, I was blown away by the level of deceit and arrogance,” the former employee said.

Her former employer also released a statement on the fraud scheme. The Atlanta Housing Authority noted that their policies to prevent fraud were “deliberately circumvented” by Jones, as they hope to maintain ethical procedures for the future.

“Atlanta Housing had policies and internal controls in place designed to safeguard public resources. During today’s hearing, it was established that safeguards were deliberately circumvented by the individual involved,” wrote the agency.

It continued, “Consistent with our policies and applicable law, Atlanta Housing has taken appropriate action and continues to strengthen its oversight and compliance practices. Our focus remains on serving residents, protecting program integrity, and maintaining public trust. Because this is an active legal matter, we will not comment further at this time.”

For the crimes, Jones faces over 20 years in prison. A judge will formally sentence her in May.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Pastor Warns Don Lemon Against Church Protest: ‘It’s Going To The Royal Rumble’ 

Black businesswomen, Black History Month, boss, imposter syndrome, career, work
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 3, 2026

14-Year-Old Jane Doe From Infamous R. Kelly Sex Tape Reveals ‘True Self’ In Memoir

The woman, named Reshona Landfair, has finally revealed her identity to the public.

The Jane Doe who went unnamed in R Kelly’s infamous sex tape has finally decided to come forward.

As a 14-year-old, the woman appeared in the unlawful footage that first initiated R. Kelly’s whirlwind of sexual assault allegations and legal troubles. Now, the Jane Doe, real name Reshona Landfair, is speaking out and reclaiming her name after years in the dark.

She revealed her identity in an interview with CBS Mornings ahead of the Feb. 3 release of her memoir, Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse. She spoke to the program about the “liberating” experience of no longer hiding.

“I really wanted to live in my true skin and my true self. My true self today is Reshona Landfair,” said Landfair.

Now 41 years old, Landfair recalls her story of meeting R. Kelly for the first time. Growing up in Chicago with dreams to become a star, Landfair connected with the infamous entertainer through her aunt, R&B singer Sparkle.

According to Landfair, her aunt directed her to warm up to Kelly, specifically telling her to ask if he would be her godfather. She also allegedly encouraged the young girl to sit on his lap and rub his head.

“That is the start of him entering into my life in a different way than just being an artist or hanging out at the studio. It became more personable at that moment,” remembered Landfair.

Their relationship soon turned physical, with Landfair becoming a victim of Kelly’s sexual advances at around 13-years-old. Her aunt grew suspicious of Kelly’s behavior. Despite calling social services to check on the situation, her concerns fell on deaf ears.

“I don’t think they believed her because there were no obvious signs of what was actually taking place,” Landfair added. 

Kelly proceeded in his inappropriate relationship with Landfair, leading to the sex tape a year later. However, it was not until Laidfair nearly turned 17 that the sex tape would be released to the public.

“I was empty…I was very hollow inside. I was very confused,” she said of its 2001 reveal.

Upon the video’s release, and Kelly’s own arrest for child pornography charges, the musician began to manipulate the situation to her family. She called the matter “very complicated,” as Kelly threatened suicide in an effort to get her family’s support for their relationship.

She continued, “He utilized me against my parents — making threats of suicide and doing different things out of desperation to convince them to not turn on him.”

However, the tactics worked, with Landfair testifying that she was not the girl in the video. The aftermath, as well as Kelly’s acquittal on the charges, left her with deep regret. She tried to detach from the trauma, but became inspired to speak out after watching Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly docuseries in 2019.

“The spirit of conviction came over me during that moment,” Landfair said. “Somehow, I felt responsible that he was able to hurt so many more people. During the time, I thought maybe these were just sexual fetishes that he had with me. Maybe this was just abuse I was going through.” 

Seeing how his actions went past her own experience, she found the courage to come forward. This time, she testified against him in a 2022 trial in Chicago over multiple counts. In the case, he was found guilty on child pornography charges. He is currently serving time for these charges concurrently with the ones from his federal indictment in New York over sex trafficking and racketeering.

Landfair’s aunt, Sparkle, also spoke on the renewed spotlight on her niece’s trauma with her memoir release.

“This is the beginning of Reshona’s lengthy deprogramming journey,” Sparkle’s statement read. “It is true that she is a survivor of years of abuse, still learning to process what happened to her and who is responsible. It is also true and well documented that I stood up for her to try and stop the damage being done to her and countless others. I wish her continued healing and peace as she continues to not only find her voice, but hopefully require accountability from those closest to her.” 

A “Jane Doe” turned empowered survivor, Landfair hopes the book inspires all to remain strong and give themselves grace during their own healing journeys.

“Embrace this next chapter in your journey with anticipation that God will plant new dreams in the fertile soul of your heart,” wrote Landfair. “Love you times infinity, Reshona.”

As for Kelly, his legal team has denied comment over Landfair’s memoir, but stated that the singer wishes her peace. Landfair has since started a mentorship program, Project Refine, for women and girls.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Me Too’ Founder Tarana Burke Inks Production Deal With CBS Studios

Melania Trump, George Floyd
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 3, 2026

‘Melania’ Trump’s Documentary Is Down Bad With Single Digit Rotten Tomatoes Rating

With a 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes, that means a majority of critics weren't feeling it and only one liked it.

Guess the public isn’t feeling the new Melania movie as much as projected, as the numbers reveal the documentary received a six out of 100 score on Metacritic and 6% on Rotten Tomatoes, Economic Times reported. 

The Brett Ratner-directed documentary premiered Jan. 30 showcasing the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration from the perspective of First Lady Melania Trump. 

Amazon purchased the film for $40 million and splurged on marketing with a price tag of $35 million; however, it didn’t seem to take it so far. With a 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes, that means a majority of critics weren’t feeling it and only one liked it. The six out of 100 rating on Metacritic is seen as extremely low as the platform uses actual review scores, not just yes-or-no opinions. 

The same goes for user ratings in Metacritic, receiving a 1.2 out of 10. But on Rotten, the film received 98% of user scores, deemed as positive, but starting a narrative of confusion. 

According to Forbes, it is in the top three worst-rated IMDB movies in history, lingering at 1.3 after films Daniel The Wizard and Smolensk at 1.2. But the publication questioned the validity of the audience reviews, proposing a theory that people who chose to see the film actually like Mrs. Trump. But then there is the side-eye from some audience reviews sounding overly emotional and promotional.  One review praised Melania as a “wonderful human” and said the theater erupted in applause.

Many MAGA supporters like those on Fox News are already calling on the film to be on the 2027 Oscar short list. “Well Melania should be nominated for I guess it’s an Oscar, right that’s for movies and if she was to go, she would be the best dressed and the classiest dressed by a long shot,” anchor Kayleigh McEnany said. 

However, on social media, things are different. Users are slamming the film, cracking jokes. “I just called the police. Somebody broke into my car, didn’t steal anything, and left four tickets for the Melania movie. That is a hate crime,” @LePapillonBlu2 wrote on X. 

One user quoted Variety saying, “’If they showed [the Melania documentary] on a plane, people would still walk out.’ Brutal.”

TikTok user @RodneyChappel tricked viewers into believing he was excited to see the movie at a drive-in theater only to give followers a laugh in the end with views of a dumpster. 

However, Amazon MGM Studios is celebrating its opening weekend success coming in third place in the domestic top five. “We’re very encouraged by the strong start and positive audience response, with early box office for ‘Melania’ exceeding our expectation,” head of domestic theatrical distribution, Kevin Wilson said in a statement.

RELATED CONTENT: Black TikTokers Rally During ‘Melania’ Opening Weekend To Boost Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ To No. 1

Don, Lemon, released, arrest
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 3, 2026

The Perp Walk Production: Feds Chose High-Drama Arrest Over Don Lemon’s Quiet Cooperation

Don Lemon called his arrest an attempt to “embarrass” him after offering to surrender.

Don Lemon says his arrest by federal agents was meant to “embarrass” him, claiming the Trump administration ignored his offer to turn himself in days earlier.

Lemon appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Feb. 2 and recounted his recent arrest at the Beverly Hills Hotel while covering the Grammys. The former CNN anchor said that after learning he had been charged over his coverage of a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, his lawyer offered for him to turn himself in but “never heard back.”

Lemon said roughly a dozen law enforcement officers later arrested him, and thinks it was done in an attempt to publicly shame him.

“They want to embarrass you,” he told the late-night host. “They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear.”

Lemon told Kimmel he hired an attorney after Trump, whom he has publicly clashed with in the past, and administration officials called for his arrest over the anti-ICE church protest. He said federal agents later arrived at his hotel to take him into custody, claiming they did not present a physical warrant and instead showed him an image of one on an agent’s cellphone as he was escorted outside.

Now, after his release, not on bail and ahead of his scheduled court appearance, Lemon calls his arrest, and that of other journalists who were present to film the protest, a “Waste, Jimmy, of resources.”

Lemon said he was held in a room for more than 12 hours, unaware his arrest had become national news, until a federal employee told him he had been airing nonstop on CNN. He alleged that during that time, he was denied phone calls and contact with his lawyer or anyone outside, despite standards that generally prohibit holding detainees incommunicado.

The journalist’s arrest came weeks after he covered protesters who entered Cities Church in St. Paul to oppose pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as Minnesota’s ICE field office director.

Lemon has insisted he was there solely in his capacity as a journalist and did not participate in the protest.

“I went there to chronicle and document and record,” Lemon told Kimmel. “There is a difference between a protester and a journalist.”

The criminal complaint alleges Lemon acknowledged the protest’s civil disobedience and attended a planning meeting beforehand. A federal magistrate judge initially rejected the complaint, finding no probable cause, a decision that reportedly angered US Attorney General Pam Bondi.

A day before Lemon’s arrest, a Minnesota grand jury indicted him and eight others, including three Black journalists who covered the protest. Lemon faces federal charges tied to interfering with religious freedom at a place of worship and has said he will plead not guilty. His next court appearance is set for Feb. 9 in Minneapolis.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Pastor Warns Don Lemon Against Church Protest: ‘It’s Going To The Royal Rumble’ 

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