Don Lemon's Close Call: Missed Rihanna Shooting

Journalist Don Lemon recounted a frighteningly close call that could have placed him in the line of fire during a shooting incident at Rihanna's home. He had planned to visit a friend in the singer's Beverly Hills neighborhood on March 8, 2026, but ultimately decided against it due to disruptions caused by the LA Marathon. This change of plans meant Lemon narrowly missed being present when a gunman discharged an assault rifle, firing at least 10 shots at Rihanna's property.

Authorities apprehended Ivana Lisette Ortiz shortly after the incident. Reports indicate Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and her children were inside the home at the time and heard the shots. While no lives were lost, the bullets caused significant damage to the front gate and the singer's home. Investigations revealed the attack was not random; Ortiz had been persistently trying to gain Rihanna's attention on social media, making disturbing posts.

This near-fatal encounter occurred during a tumultuous period for Lemon, who had recently been arrested while covering a protest. He expressed his relief at avoiding further harm, especially given his ongoing legal issues. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of celebrity and the potential dangers faced by public figures and their associates.