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.
