When Worship Meets Protest: The Case of the Emotional Distress Lawsuit Against Don Lemon

In a striking case that’s stirring controversy, Ann Doucette is suing journalist Don Lemon, claiming emotional distress from a protest that interrupted her worship service at The Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protest, which took place on January 18, 2026, was set against the backdrop of a broader confrontation between community members and Pastor David Easterwood, who has ties to the Minneapolis ICE. Doucette alleges that the situation unlawfully interfered with her right to practice her faith, and she is seeking unspecified damages for the fear, anxiety, and trauma she claims to have experienced.

Lemon, who livestreamed parts of the protest, maintains that he was merely exercising his First Amendment rights as a reporter. Arrested for conspiracy against religious freedom and related charges, he argues that he was shedding light on serious issues affecting the community. The drama doesn’t stop there—this incident raises crucial questions about where the line is drawn between free expression and respect for religious practices. It’s a compelling reminder that even a Sunday service can turn into a courtroom drama in today’s charged atmosphere.