California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold step by suing Fox News for defamation. He claims the network twisted its coverage to falsely suggest he lied about a phone call with former President Donald Trump. Newsom is seeking a staggering $787 million in damages, which highlights his push against misinformation in media.
The lawsuit, announced on Friday, positions Newsom in a growing conflict between Democrats and Republicans over media ethics. He argues that Fox News has prioritized sensationalism over journalistic integrity, contributing to the erosion of informed governance. Newsom’s complaint states, “Setting the record straight and confronting Fox’s dishonest practices are critical to protecting democracy from being overrun by disinformation and lies.”
This legal action comes as Newsom, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate, recalls Fox’s previous admission in a legal settlement about spreading false claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. He feels that the network has not learned from its past mistakes.
In response, Fox News dismissed the lawsuit as a publicity stunt aimed at stifling free speech. A spokesperson for the network said, “We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed.”
The controversy stems from comments made by Trump about a phone call with Newsom amid rising tensions over immigration issues. Trump claimed he spoke with Newsom “a day ago” and criticized the governor’s handling of the situation. Newsom quickly refuted this timeline, stating they had a conversation late on June 6, which he said did not include discussions about deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles.
Newsom took to social media to clarify, stating, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail.” He expressed concern that Trump’s comments could mislead the public about their discussions.
The lawsuit claims that Fox News not only misrepresented the facts but also intentionally aimed to harm Newsom politically. The governor’s legal team accuses Fox of distorting the truth to mislead viewers, particularly during segments featuring Trump’s comments.
Fox News hosts, particularly Jesse Watters, have been criticized for their coverage. Watters aired a segment that appeared to suggest Newsom had lied about the call, further fueling the narrative against him.
Newsom has been vocal about his disdain for Fox News, often criticizing the network for its portrayal of California and its leadership. However, he has also used appearances on the network to bolster his image as a fighter for Democratic values.
The amount Newsom is seeking in damages is a pointed reference to Fox’s previous settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, where the network paid $787 million to resolve claims related to false election reporting.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it may set a precedent for how public figures can challenge media narratives. Newsom’s legal team has indicated that they would drop the lawsuit if Fox retracts its statements and issues a formal apology. Any potential damages awarded to Newsom would be donated to charity, further emphasizing his commitment to addressing misinformation.
This case could lead to significant discussions about media responsibility and the impact of misinformation in politics, with a trial potentially scheduled for next year if a settlement is not reached.