Recent headlines spotlight how Fox News host Jesse Watters issued a surprising apology to California Governor Gavin Newsom over misleading remarks about a phone call with former President Donald Trump. This act comes amid a high-stakes $787 million defamation lawsuit Newsom filed against Fox News and Watters, escalating the clash between media and political influence.
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Jesse Watters apology to Gavin Newsom was a rare moment of contrition on Fox News, triggered by Newsom’s claims that the network misrepresented his June 7 phone call with President Trump. The apology followed the broadcast of an edited clip that implied Newsom had lied — a charge he disputes — and intensified the already brewing defamation lawsuit valued at $787 million.
Background to the Apology
Jesse Watters, anchoring Jesse Watters Primetime, aired footage alleging that Newsom lied about receiving a Trump call around June 9 — at a time when National Guard troops were being deployed in Los Angeles over immigration protests. In reaction, Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit on June 27, demanding $787 million in damages — the same amount Fox settled with Dominion Voting Systems in a 2023 defamation case.
Then, on July 17, Watters issued a partial apology, saying, “He wasn’t lying… he was just confusing and unclear,” while acknowledging he misinterpreted Newsom’s tweet. This apology framed the controversy as a misunderstanding of intent rather than a deliberate deception.
Why This Matter Escalated
Newsom’s legal team argues that the selective editing of Trump’s June 10 remarks misled viewers into believing the call occurred a day before military deployment — a timeline distortion with major political implications. They’ve made it clear the lawsuit may be dropped if Fox airs a fulsome retraction with equal airtime.
On the flip side, Fox News labeled the lawsuit “a transparent publicity stunt,” pledging a vigorous defense against Newsom’s “frivolous” claims.
The Apology in Context
Media outlets such as The Daily Beast and The Guardian emphasize that Watters’ apology — although rare — wasn’t heartfelt. He shrugged off the mistake as a confusion rather than owned wrongdoing.
The Daily Beast notes, “We thought the governor was clear… he wasn’t lying. He was just confusing and unclear.” Meanwhile, The Guardian reports this lukewarm apology hasn’t dissuaded Newsom from pursuing his lawsuit. The Guardian
Legal Stakes: $787 Million on the Line
This lawsuit mirrors the Dominion case settlement — $787 million — with Newsom’s team leveraging that precedent to underscore Fox’s alleged disregard for accountability. The complaint asserts Fox manipulated content “with malice” to undermine Newson’s credibility. SFGATE
Both sides now await discovery proceedings in Delaware Superior Court. Fox plans to defend free speech, while Newsom hopes a full retraction might allow him to withdraw the suit.
Public and Political Repercussions
Analysts highlight how the incident illustrates the fragile relationship between mainstream media and public trust. Business Insider spotlights Newsom’s demand for equal retraction airtime — a strategic move acknowledging legal leverage. Business Insider
The controversy also underscores the power of precision in modern politics. Shaping perceptions with nuanced editing can shift public narrative — a fact underscored by Newsom’s strong reaction.
What’s Next?
- Discovery Phase: Both sides enter court-supervised evidence sharing, potentially uncovering internal memos and communications.
- Media Retraction Watch: If Fox declines a full retraction or stays ambiguous, the lawsuit proceeds in full force.
- Political Fallout: Depending on the discovery findings, public trust in Fox or Newsom could either erode or be reinforced.
Legal analysts expect the case to last several months, with settlement possibilities contingent on Fox’s willingness to substantively retract or modify its stance.
Conclusion
The Jesse Watters apology to Gavin Newsom saga transcends personalities — it highlights pivotal concerns about media accuracy and accountability. Watters’ partial apology, launched amid a blockbuster $787 million lawsuit, adds another chapter in news-gate that could reset standards for televised reporting and host responsibility.
This unfolding case is one to watch: discovery could unearth revealing internal communications, and whether Fox offers a full retraction could determine if the lawsuit ends in settlement or drags on. Whatever the outcome, Americans shouldn’t underestimate how media editing shapes public narratives and consequences.
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