NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, claiming the network knowingly spread false information during a Jesse Watters broadcast that accused Newsom of lying about a phone call with former President Donald Trump.
The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, stems from a June 10 segment on Primetime with Jesse Watters. In the episode, Watters asserted that Newsom had spoken with Trump by phone on June 7 and accused the governor of dishonesty for denying it.
Newsom had publicly pushed back on Trump’s claim, posting on X: “There was no call. Not even a voicemail.” The post came in response to Trump’s statement to the press that he had spoken with Newsom during recent unrest in Los Angeles.
Watters countered on-air by citing Fox’s own John Roberts, who allegedly obtained call logs showing a 16-minute conversation between Trump and Newsom late on June 7. “Why would Newsom lie?” Watters asked viewers. “Why say it didn’t happen?”
Newsom’s legal team argues that even if there was confusion over the date or time of a call, Fox News presented the story in a “malicious” way that implied the governor was deliberately dishonest. A legal letter sent to Fox also took a swipe at Trump, suggesting the former president’s memory may be unreliable due to age and past behavior.
The $787 million figure mirrors the amount Fox paid to Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 to settle a defamation case related to election coverage. Newsom’s attorneys reportedly offered to drop the lawsuit if Fox issues a full on-air retraction and Jesse Watters delivers a public apology.
In a fiery statement, Newsom said, “If Fox News wants to lie to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf, it should face consequences. This isn’t about politics — it’s about truth.”
Fox News quickly responded, calling the lawsuit “frivolous” and accusing the governor of trying to silence criticism. “We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed,” the network stated.
As the legal fight heads to Delaware, the case is already drawing national attention, especially given Fox’s high-profile history with defamation settlements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCoAQsycOJM
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
