In a bombshell move on June 27, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, accusing the network of lying about a phone call with President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, targets Fox News anchor Jesse Watters and reporter John Roberts for allegedly misrepresenting facts, damaging Newsom’s reputation during a heated political moment. This high-stakes case, echoing Fox’s $787.5 million Dominion Voting Systems settlement in 2023, raises questions about media accountability, free speech, and the legal protections for public figures. If you’ve faced false statements harming your reputation, a defamation attorney can help you fight back. This comprehensive guide dives into the Gavin Newsom Fox News lawsuit 2025, explores defamation law, and offers actionable insights for protecting your rights.
The Backstory: A Misrepresented Phone Call Sparks Outrage
The controversy erupted during June 2025 protests in Los Angeles over President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, which included deploying 4,900 National Guard troops against Newsom’s wishes. On June 10, Trump claimed he spoke with Newsom “a day ago” about the deployment. Newsom denied this, stating no call occurred on June 9. Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime aired a segment with a chyron boldly declaring, “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.” Watters used an edited clip of Trump’s remarks and a call log from June 7, provided by John Roberts, to suggest Newsom fabricated his denial.
Newsom’s lawsuit claims Fox News knowingly distorted the truth. The call log confirmed a 16-minute conversation on June 7—not June 9—supporting Newsom’s statement. By editing Trump’s clip to omit this context and branding Newsom a liar, Fox News allegedly defamed him, causing reputational harm. Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, says the false narrative flooded his inbox with accusations from supporters, questioning his integrity during a critical political moment.
Key Fact: Newsom’s legal team, including attorneys who represented Sandy Hook families, argues Fox News acted with “actual malice,” a crucial element in defamation cases involving public figures.
This isn’t Fox News’ first brush with defamation. Their 2023 Dominion settlement, also for $787 million, stemmed from false election fraud claims. Newsom’s lawsuit suggests Fox hasn’t learned its lesson, making this case a potential turning point for media accountability.
Understanding Defamation: Legal Grounds for Newsom’s Lawsuit
Defamation law protects individuals from false statements that harm their reputation. In California, defamation includes libel (written falsehoods, like Fox’s chyron) and slander (spoken falsehoods, like Watters’ commentary). For public figures like Newsom, winning a defamation case requires proving actual malice—that the defendant knowingly lied or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, per the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) ruling.
Newsom’s lawsuit hinges on three key allegations:
- Edited Footage: Fox News selectively edited Trump’s statement to falsely imply Newsom lied about the call’s timing.
- Misleading Chyron: The “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call” graphic was a deliberate misrepresentation, ignoring the June 7 call log.
- Pattern of Misconduct: Fox’s history, including the Dominion case, shows a willingness to prioritize narrative over facts.
The $787 million demand mirrors Dominion’s settlement, signaling Newsom’s intent to impose significant consequences. He’s offered to drop the suit if Fox News retracts the claim and Watters apologizes on air with equal prominence to the original segment. Without this, Newsom is prepared for a legal battle, backed by top-tier attorneys confident in an “ironclad” case.
Why Actual Malice Matters
Proving actual malice is tough but not impossible. In the Dominion case, internal Fox News communications revealed executives knew election fraud claims were false yet allowed them to air. Newsom’s team hopes discovery will uncover similar evidence, such as emails showing Watters or Roberts ignored the call log’s timeline. If proven, this could lead to substantial damages, including:
- Compensatory Damages: For reputational harm and lost political support.
- Punitive Damages: To punish Fox News and deter future misconduct.
If you’re dealing with defamation, documenting evidence (e.g., screenshots, recordings) and consulting a lawyer can strengthen your case. Learn more about workplace harassment lawsuits (artifact_id: 4f8f43f5-62aa-4a74-8ce5-f4c850c07ee5) for related legal insights.
The Political Context: Newsom vs. Trump in 2025
The lawsuit isn’t just about a phone call—it’s a clash of political titans. Newsom, a progressive Democrat, has clashed with Trump’s administration over immigration, climate policy, and California’s film industry. The June 2025 protests, sparked by Trump’s National Guard deployment, intensified tensions. Newsom claims Fox News amplified Trump’s narrative to undermine him, a tactic he calls “propaganda, not journalism.”
Fox News’ response, labeling the lawsuit a “frivolous publicity stunt” to “chill free speech,” mirrors their Dominion defense. Critics on X (e.g., @SusieM414141, @RDog861) echo this, accusing Newsom of mimicking Trump’s media lawsuits, like his against CBS over an edited 60 Minutes interview. Supporters (e.g., @thepondering_, @strujillo075) argue Fox’s pattern of falsehoods justifies the suit. These divided sentiments highlight the case’s polarizing nature.
Social Media Sentiment: X posts show mixed reactions, with some calling Newsom’s lawsuit a “crybaby” move, while others see it as a stand against media lies.
Newsom insists the lawsuit, filed in his personal capacity, isn’t about politics but ethics. Any damages, he says, will fund “truth and trust” initiatives, not personal gain, reinforcing his commitment to journalistic integrity.
Fox News’ Track Record: Lessons from Dominion and Beyond
Fox News’ $787.5 million Dominion settlement in 2023 was a wake-up call for media outlets. The network admitted to airing false claims about Dominion’s voting machines, costing them millions and public trust. Newsom’s lawsuit suggests Fox hasn’t changed its ways, citing:
- Selective Editing: Watters’ segment omitted Trump’s full context, similar to Dominion’s manipulated election coverage.
- No Accountability: Despite Dominion’s fallout, Fox continued to push narratives over facts, Newsom argues.
- High Stakes: Another loss could force Fox to rethink its editorial practices or face further lawsuits.
This case also draws parallels to Trump’s lawsuits against CBS and ABC, which Newsom’s team calls hypocritical given Fox’s actions. The irony? Watters himself once said, “When you manipulate or edit facts for a public official, someone needs to be fired.” Newsom agrees, holding Fox to its own standard.
What’s at Stake for Newsom and Fox News?
For Newsom
- Political Capital: A win could bolster Newsom’s 2028 presidential prospects, painting him as a defender of truth. A loss might fuel accusations of overreach, as seen in X posts calling it a “publicity stunt.”
- Legal Risk: Proving actual malice is a high bar. If Fox produces evidence Newsom misstated any details, his case could weaken.
- Public Image: The lawsuit aligns with Newsom’s narrative of fighting “propaganda networks,” but critics may see it as stifling free speech.
For Fox News
- Financial Hit: A $787 million payout, plus legal fees, would strain Fox’s finances, especially post-Dominion.
- Reputation Damage: Another settlement could erode viewer trust, as seen after 2023.
- Legal Precedent: A loss might encourage other public figures to sue, increasing Fox’s liability.
If the case proceeds, discovery could reveal internal Fox News communications, potentially exposing editorial biases. A trial, likely in 2026, could reshape media accountability. Alternatively, Fox may settle to avoid another public loss, as with Dominion.
California’s Broader Context: Film Tax Credits and Leadership
Newsom tied the lawsuit to his leadership in California, announcing a $750 million film tax credit on June 27, 2025, to revitalize Hollywood. This move, doubling the state’s previous credit, aims to bring film production back from states like Georgia and cities like Toronto. Newsom emphasized its impact on:
- Workers: Teamsters, grips, and catering crews, not just “rich actors.”
- Economy: Boosting Los Angeles’ recovery from wildfires and economic challenges.
- Values: Aligning with progressive ideals, unlike Georgia’s conservative policies.
This dual focus—suing Fox while championing California’s economy—positions Newsom as a proactive leader, though critics argue it’s a distraction from governance challenges.
How Defamation Affects Everyday People
While Newsom’s case grabs headlines, defamation impacts everyone. False statements on social media, workplace gossip, or media reports can ruin reputations, careers, and mental health. If you’re facing defamation:
- Gather Evidence: Save screenshots, videos, or emails of false statements.
- Consult an Attorney: A defamation lawyer can assess whether you meet the legal threshold (e.g., falsity, harm, malice for public figures).
- Seek Remedies: Demand retractions, pursue damages, or file restraining orders if threats are involved.
For example, online defamation, like false X posts, can spread rapidly. A lawyer can help you issue takedown notices or sue for damages. Explore our guide on social media harassment lawsuits (artifact_id: 4f8f43f5-62aa-4a74-8ce5-f4c850c07ee5) for more.
Multimedia Ideas to Enhance This Story
To make this blog more engaging, per 2025 trends (), consider:
- Infographic: A timeline of the Newsom-Fox News dispute, from the June 7 call to the lawsuit filing.
- Video Embed: A clip from Jesse Watters’ segment (with fair use attribution) to show the disputed chyron.
- Interactive Quiz: “Could You Win a Defamation Lawsuit?” to educate readers on legal thresholds.
- Podcast Episode: Interview a defamation lawyer discussing Newsom’s case and public figure challenges.
These elements boost engagement and shareability, aligning with reader preferences for multimedia content.
What’s Next for the Newsom-Fox News Saga?
Newsom’s team has given Fox News weeks to apologize. Fox’s defiant response suggests they’ll fight, but the Dominion precedent may push them toward a settlement. If the case goes to trial, expect:
- Discovery Revelations: Internal emails could expose Fox’s editorial process, as in Dominion.
- Public Debate: X posts (e.g., @KPIXtv, @AOL) show ongoing chatter, with some praising Newsom’s stand and others decrying it as censorship.
- Legal Impact: A ruling could set new standards for media liability, especially for edited content.
For now, Newsom’s lawsuit is a bold stand against what he calls a “propaganda network.” Whether it’s a landmark case or a political gambit, it’s a story to watch in 2025.
Protect Your Reputation: Take Action Today
Defamation can strike anyone, from governors to everyday people. If false statements have harmed you, don’t wait. A skilled defamation attorney can help you demand retractions, seek damages, or restore your reputation. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your options. Don’t let lies define your story—act now.
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Last Updated: June 28, 2025
Sources
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