Former CNN Host Don Lemon Engages in Heated Feud with Nicki Minaj Over Protest Coverage
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has found himself at the center of a fiery controversy, drawing sharp criticism from rapper Nicki Minaj and facing legal threats from the Department of Justice. The dispute stems from Lemon's reporting on an anti-ICE protest that occurred at a church in Minnesota, amplifying tensions between media figures and political allies.
Legal Threats and Accusations from the Department of Justice
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon placed Lemon "on notice" in a public statement, announcing that the DOJ intends to pursue charges against protesters who disrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul. The protest was motivated by speculation that a pastor at the church has connections to ICE.
In an interview with right-wing influencer Benny Johnson, Dhillon accused Lemon of "being a part, an embedded part, of a criminal conspiracy" due to his coverage of the event. She threatened to invoke the Enforcement Act of 1871, commonly known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, to charge the journalist. This law prohibits groups from gathering with the intent to violate citizens' constitutional rights.
Lemon firmly disputed these accusations during an appearance on left-leaning podcaster Jennifer Welch's show. "None of what she says there applies to me," he stated. "There's no evidence." He emphasized that his reporting was factual and did not align with the criminal allegations being made.
Nicki Minaj's Vocal Backlash and Homophobic Remarks
The controversy escalated when Nicki Minaj, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, launched a scathing attack on Lemon. In an all-caps post on X, she wrote, "DON 'COCK SUCKIN' LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!!" She accused him of targeting a specific religion and demanded his arrest.
Lemon responded forcefully, telling TMZ that he is "not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism and is weighing in on matters that are above her capacity." He criticized her recent alignment with figures like Erika Kirk, whose late husband Charlie Kirk made controversial remarks about Black people. "He talked shit about Black people a lot," Lemon said. "He said racist, bigoted things a lot, and she's cozying up to his wife and to his organization and to all of the other bigots in the MAGA movement."
Allegations of Homophobia and Bigotry
Lemon condemned Minaj's use of derogatory language, calling her a "homophobic bigot" in a video response. He argued that her comments reveal a lack of care for Black and gay communities, who have been significant supporters of her career. "Nicki Minaj doesn't care about Black people," he told Welch. "She doesn't care about gay people. Those are two of her biggest supporters and the people who make her rich."
Minaj defended her choice of words in a follow-up post, asserting, "I'm glad they're angry. They're about to get angrier." This has further fueled the public spat, highlighting deep divisions over political and social issues.
Broader Implications for Media and Public Discourse
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about media freedom, legal intimidation, and the role of celebrities in political debates. Lemon reported receiving a "barrage of violent threats, along with homophobic and racist slurs" from right-wing critics following his coverage. This underscores the volatile environment journalists can face when reporting on contentious topics.
As the feud continues to unfold, it raises questions about accountability, free speech, and the intersection of entertainment and politics in modern discourse. The involvement of high-profile figures like Minaj and legal authorities like the DOJ adds layers of complexity to an already heated narrative.
