Journalist Don Lemon shared a harrowing near-miss during a recent shooting at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills residence, revealing he planned to stay nearby that night.
Don Lemon’s Close Call
Speaking at the 12th Annual Better Brothers Los Angeles Truth Awards on Saturday, Lemon, 60, explained that a scheduling conflict saved him from potential danger. He was in Los Angeles and intended to visit a friend living close to Rihanna’s home, but the Los Angeles Marathon disrupted transportation. Unable to secure a car, he headed straight to the airport.
“I’m glad that Rihanna is okay after that crazy s**t happened at her house,” Lemon stated. “Probably no one knows this, but I have a friend that lives very near Rihanna and I could have been there… And it was frightening. And the friend had like damage to her house.”
“It’s really scary,” he added. “It’s so random. And I know it’s a cliche but life is really precious and you never know, so you need to celebrate every single day.”
Details of the Shooting
The incident occurred earlier this month at Rihanna’s property, where she, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children—sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, plus five-month-old daughter Rocki—and her mother were present, along with two staff members. They were in an Airstream trailer on the grounds when gunfire erupted.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced charges against 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, including one count of attempted murder, ten counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and three counts of shooting into an inhabited dwelling. The additional counts stem from shots fired at Rihanna’s two dwellings and a neighboring home, where two other people were present.
Hochman noted Ortiz faces up to life in prison if convicted. No one was injured, though officials indicated Rihanna and Rocky “easily could have been hit.”
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Ortiz’s arraignment is scheduled for March 26. Judge Theresa McGonigle set bail at $1,875,000 and issued a protective order requiring Ortiz to avoid Rihanna and Rocky, while surrendering all firearms.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated the motive remains unclear, with the Robbery-Homicide Division continuing its probe. Ortiz has posted online content targeting Rihanna, including criticisms and threats, though no personal connection exists. She also has prior arrests in Florida for domestic violence, careless driving, and violating pretrial conditions.
Recent Connections
Earlier this month, Lemon celebrated his 60th birthday with a selfie alongside Rihanna, captioning it “Birthday hijinks with my girl Rihanna” to her song “Birthday Cake.”
Separately, Lemon faces charges from a January protest at a St. Paul church opposing ICE operations in the Twin Cities. He has pleaded not guilty.
