Jane Fonda showed her support for Don Lemon at a rally in Los Angeles following his arrest and indictment for interfering with a religious service during a Minnesota ICE protest. Fonda emphasized the importance of speaking up and defending the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. She highlighted Lemon’s professionalism as a journalist and expressed her determination to fight for his right to free speech.
Fonda, whose husband created CNN, emphasized the significance of protecting journalists and their work. She noted that Lemon’s arrest was unjust and that he should not be silenced for simply doing his job. Fonda’s advocacy for free speech and journalistic integrity has been a consistent theme in her activism.
In a statement outside the courthouse, Lemon declared that he would not be deterred by his arrest and would continue to cover the news as an independent journalist. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the First Amendment and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from colleagues and supporters.
Fonda’s involvement in defending Lemon is part of her broader efforts to protect free speech and journalistic freedom. In 2025, she relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, originally established by her father, Henry Fonda, during the McCarthy era. Fonda sees the current political climate as a threat to constitutional rights and believes it is essential for individuals to come together to defend those rights.
Overall, Fonda’s support for Don Lemon and her advocacy for free speech underscore the importance of standing up against repression and upholding the principles of the Constitution. As Lemon faces legal challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to journalistic integrity and the protection of free speech rights. The support from Fonda and others in the industry serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to defend these fundamental values in a changing political landscape.
