Gavin Newsom sues Fox News accusing the network of defamation over violent protests in Los Angeles
The television network rejected the lawsuit and called it "frivolous." In the channel's view, it is an attempt to stifle free speech.
Newsom and Bass attend to media during LA fires.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued Fox News on Friday. The Democrat accuses the network of defaming him in its coverage of a phone call he had with President Donald Trump in the midst of violent protests in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit was filed in Delaware, where Fox News is incorporated. It is intended to seek damages of at least $787 million and an injunction barring Fox from airing or publishing segments that wrongly say Newsom lied about his call with Trump.
The lawsuit was made known by The New York Times which first published the information.
"Mr. Newsom’s lawyers also sent Fox News a letter demanding a formal retraction and an on-air apology from Jesse Watters, a host who said on his show that Mr. Newsom had lied about the call with the president. If those conditions are met, the letter states, Mr. Newsom will dismiss the lawsuit," the newspaper explained.
Meanwhile, Fox News rejected the lawsuit and called it "frivolous." In the network's view, it is an attempt to coerce free speech.
"Gov. Newsom’s transparent publicity stunt is frivolous and designed to chill free speech critical of him," Fox News said in a statement.
"We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed," the channel added.
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