Journalist Don Lemon disclosed a harrowing near-miss with the recent shooting at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills residence, revealing he nearly stayed with a friend in the same neighborhood during the incident.
Lemon’s Narrow Escape
Speaking at the 12th Annual Better Brothers Los Angeles Truth Awards, Lemon explained that logistical issues from the Los Angeles marathon prevented him from visiting his friend. ‘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, because I was here in LA and we were supposed to stay with that friend. And it was frightening. And the friend had like damage to her house.’
He added, ‘It’s really scary… 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 attack occurred earlier this month while Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children—sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, and daughter Rocki, 5 months—and her mother were on the property, along with two staff members. Officials confirmed the family was in an Airstream trailer when gunfire erupted.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman detailed that suspect Ivanna Lisette Ortiz allegedly fired at Rihanna’s property, which includes two dwellings, and a neighboring home. No one was injured, though a law enforcement official noted that Rihanna and Rocky ‘easily could have been hit.’
Charges Against the Suspect
Ortiz faces 14 charges: one count of attempted murder, ten counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm—for each person in the line of fire—and three counts of shooting into an inhabited dwelling. Conviction could result in a life sentence.
Her arraignment is scheduled for March 26. Judge Theresa McGonigle set bail at $1,875,000, issued a protective order barring Ortiz from contacting Rihanna and Rocky, and ordered her to surrender all firearms.
Ongoing Investigation
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated during a crime briefing that the motive remains undetermined, with the Robbery-Homicide Division continuing its probe.
Ortiz previously posted online messages targeting Rihanna, including criticisms and disturbing threats discussing the singer’s death, though no personal connection exists between them. She also has prior arrests in Florida for domestic violence, careless driving, and violating pretrial release conditions.
Lemon’s Recent Interactions
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 related to his participation in a January protest at a St. Paul church that disrupted a service against ICE operations in the Twin Cities. He has pleaded not guilty.
