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Delaware – August 8, 2025 – Fox News Network LLC has formally requested that the Delaware Superior Court dismiss California Governor Gavin Newsom’s $787 million defamation lawsuit, labeling it a “political stunt” and a “spectacle” aimed at silencing criticism and evading legal protections afforded to free speech.

The Fox California Governor $787M Defamation Suit Spectacle stems from Fox News’ coverage of a disputed June 6 phone call between Governor Newsom and former President Donald Trump. Fox maintains that its reporting — including statements that Newsom “lied” about the call — is substantially true.

In its August 5 court filing, Fox News stated:

“Newsom made an unqualified assertion that no call had taken place when in fact he and President Trump had spoken just days before. Newsom cannot create confusion and then demand a $787 million ransom from a news organization taking his words at face value.”

The network also criticized Newsom for filing the case 3,000 miles from California in Delaware, where Fox had previously settled the Dominion Voting Systems defamation case for the same amount Newsom now seeks. Fox argued this move was designed to bypass California's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects media outlets from meritless defamation lawsuits.

Background of the Dispute

Newsom’s complaint alleges that Fox News hosts — including John Roberts and Jesse Watters — defamed him following conflicting reports about the timing and content of his phone call with Trump during the civil unrest in Los Angeles. Newsom claims the network knowingly misrepresented his words to paint him as dishonest.

Despite Newsom’s clarification that he was only disputing the timing of the call, Fox News argues that his tweet saying “there was no call” was misleading — a key issue at the center of the suit.

Fox responded:

“His entire case turns on retroactively rewriting what he said. Jesse Watters has already issued a correction and apology, but this lawsuit is clearly a calculated move to stir headlines.”

Political Motivations Alleged

Fox News asserts that the lawsuit is a publicity-driven maneuver tied to Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions.

“Newsom may think Delaware courts exist to fund his campaign war chest and harass critics,” Fox said in its filing. “But the First Amendment and California law prohibit him from chilling Fox News’ speech with meritless lawsuits.”

The network further emphasized that no relevant evidence or witnesses are located in Delaware, reinforcing its call to dismiss the suit.

Next Steps

Fox News indicated that Governor Newsom now intends to amend his complaint, possibly in response to Fox’s motion to dismiss.

“No amendment will change that this case is a transparent publicity stunt and a colossal waste of the court’s time,” the network said.

Governor Newsom, in a public statement, stood by his legal action:

“Fox News’ motion reveals their desperation. Until they commit to the truth, I will continue to fight their propaganda machine in court.”