‘See You in Court’: Fox News Suffers Another Legal Blow

Jesse Watters and Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News and host Jesse Watters, alleging Watters falsely claimed to have knowledge of a conversation between Newsom and President Donald Trump. The suit accuses Watters of misrepresenting the exchange to mislead the public.

Fox News anchor Jesse Watters at Christmas Tree Lighting

Tensions escalated after Trump stated in a press conference that he spoke with Newsom “a day ago,” during the deployment of troops to Los Angeles amid ICE-related protests.

Donald Trump arrives at campaign rally in Pennsylvania

Newsom maintained that his last call with Trump was on June 7 and did not involve military deployment, calling Trump’s statements misleading. In a July broadcast, Watters admitted Newsom did not lie but has labeled his comments confusing.

Governor Gavin Newsom signs tax credit for entertainment

Newsom stated, "Discovery will be fun. See you in court, buddy." He added, "I sued Fox News for defaming me, for knowingly lying, for editing and assaulting truth and trust. So I don't have a problem holding people to a higher level of ethics and accountability in journalist standards."

Newsom wrote, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail. Americans should be alarmed that a president deploying marines onto our streets doesn’t even know who he’s talking to.”

Gavin Newsom at Democratic National Convention with Biden

Newsom’s lawsuit demands a formal retraction and on-air apology from Fox News. A network spokesperson has dismissed the suit as a publicity stunt.

Gavin Newsom speaks before presidential debate event

Watters said, "We thought the dispute was about whether there had been a call at all – not when. We thought that the governor was clear when he said, without qualification, that there was no call."

Watters added, "Now Newsom's telling us what was in his head when he wrote the tweet. He didn't deceive anybody on purpose, so I'm sorry. He wasn't lying. He was just confusing and unclear. Next time, Governor, why don't you just say what you mean?"

Donald Trump speaks at Goodyear Airport rally

Newsom's office has rejected Watters' apology as insufficient and has confirmed the lawsuit will proceed. Fox News stated, "Newsom's transparent publicity stunt is frivolous and designed to chill free speech critical of him. We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed."

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.