California Governor Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million Defamation

Defamation Lawsuit Filed

• 🏛️ California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News.
• 🗣️ Newsom alleges the network defamed him by lying about a phone call he had with Donald Trump.

Allegations of Actual Malice

• 📰 Newsom claims Fox News acted with actual malice, intentionally distorting facts.
• ✂️ The lawsuit states Fox omitted and edited evidence to shape a malicious and defamatory narrative.
• 📺 Specific accusations include the creation of a misleading video clip and false statements about the timing of the call.

The Phone Call Incident

• 📞 The dispute centers on a phone call between Newsom and Trump in early June, following anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
• 🚨 Trump had deployed National Guard troops and Marines to California, bypassing the governor.
• 🤥 Trump falsely told reporters on June 10th that he had spoken with Newsom the previous day, a claim the lawsuit says Fox News amplified.

Demands and Fox News's Response

• ⚖️ Newsom's lawyers have demanded a retraction of the claim that he lied about the call and on-air apologies from Fox News and host Jesse Waters.
• 🚫 Fox News issued a statement calling the lawsuit a "transparent publicity stunt" designed to "chill free speech" and vowed to defend the case vigorously.