Former CNN anchor, Don Lemon was taken into custody by Federal agents in Los Angeles on January 29, 2026, while he was covering the Grammy Awards in LA.
Don Lemon is back in the headlines, not for a prime-time monologue, but for a dramatic arrest. The former CNN anchor was taken into custody while he was covering the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. As per the initial reports, Don was detained days after he publicly stated that he feared being levied with charges due to his presence at a church protest in Minnesota. While the legal and political storm around Don has been growing, attention has now turned to his personal life and the man who has stood firmly by his side: his husband, Tim Malone. Here's everything you might want to know about him.
Amid the legal criticism surrounding Don Lemon, netizens are curious about the person closest to him during his turbulent time: Tim Malone. He was born in Water Mill, New York. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in history and journalism. Later, in a 2021 interview with Gay City News, Tim shared that he was inspired to enter real estate after witnessing the Hamptons evolve over the years. Since then, he has established his name in the luxury housing market. In fact, he also managed the sale of Don's Harlem condo.
He has been a former CNN journalist's partner for nearly a decade. He is a luxury real estate agent based in New York City and the Hamptons. Tim works with Douglas Elliman Real Estate and specialises in high-end properties. According to his LinkedIn profile, before changing his career path in 2018, Tim had spent more than 10 years in the media and marketing sector. During that phase, he worked with NBCUniversal, Billboard, and Jukin Media. Furthermore, Tim also supported Don during his career shifts, including his controversial exit from CNN. As per a source close to People, Don's firing from CNN brought them closer.
Don Lemon and Tim Malone's love story began in 2015 when they met at Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton, New York. They started dating in 2016 and went public in 2018 with an on-air New Year's Eve kiss during CNN's live broadcast. Don even joked about it, saying he found love on a two-way street. Eventually, Tim popped the question to Don in April 2019 using their dogs' collars, and they tied the knot on April 6, 2024, at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. The ceremony was officiated by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Don Lemon has a long, high-profile media career. He joined CNN in 2006 and became one of the network's most prominent faces with his show, Don Lemon Tonight. Next, he transitioned to CNN This Morning in 2022. Don was fired from the network in April 2023 after some on-air controversies. Since then, he has launched a YouTube channel, The Don Lemon Show, where he continues political commentary and interviews. Don has won an Edward R. Murrow Award and is a multiple Emmy recipient over his career spanning three decades.
DoNSm attorney, Abbe Lowell, the journalist was arrested in connection with his presence at a January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in Minneapolis. Don had earlier stated that he was present there simply as an independent journalist to livestream the event. He covered how the demonstrators confronted a pastor, accusing him of being tied to immigration enforcement. Additionally, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has confirmed that there will be a federal investigation into possible violations of the FACE Act, which protects places of worship from interference.
Amid his new legal fight, the spotlight has once again shifted to his bond with Tim Malone, which has stood the test of time.
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