Fox News Moves to Dismiss Gavin Newsom $787M Defamation Lawsuit

Fox News has filed a motion to dismiss California Governor Gavin Newsom's $787 million defamation lawsuit, arguing that the suit is a politically motivated stunt aimed at generating media attention and advancing Newsom's presidential ambitions. The lawsuit arose from a Fox News segment on Jesse Watters Tonight, where Watters accused Newsom of lying about a phone call with President Donald Trump regarding immigration enforcement and deployment of the National Guard during civil unrest. Newsom contends that Fox News deliberately misled viewers and damaged his political reputation, while Fox News maintains that Newsom's denial of the call was inaccurate and that Watters ultimately apologized on air for suggesting Newsom lied, stating he was merely confused and unclear. Fox News also asserts that Newsom cannot prove that Watters knowingly made false statements and that the suit violates California's anti-SLAPP statute, entitling Fox to attorney's fees. Newsom has rejected the dismissal attempts, accusing Fox News of distorting the truth and vowing to continue the legal battle. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Newsom and Fox News, a network frequently critical of Democrats and President Trump’s opponents.