Context:

California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against Fox News, seeking at least $787 million in damages, accusing the network of defaming him regarding a phone call he had with President Trump. The suit claims Fox News falsely reported that Newsom lied about the call, which was a central piece of a dispute between Newsom and Trump following the President's deployment of military troops to Los Angeles. Newsom's legal team demands a retraction and an on-air apology from Fox News host Jesse Watters, who reiterated the misinformation. The lawsuit parallels a previous case where Fox News settled for the same amount over false election conspiracy coverage. Fox News dismisses the lawsuit as a publicity stunt and pledges to defend against it, arguing it stifles free speech critical of the governor.

Dive Deeper:

• Governor Gavin Newsom sued Fox News in Delaware, alleging the network defamed him by misreporting details of a phone call with President Trump, demanding $787 million in damages and a halt to further misleading coverage.

• The legal action follows a contentious exchange with President Trump, who overrode Newsom's objections by deploying the National Guard in response to immigration protests in California, escalating tensions between the two leaders.

• Newsom's lawsuit claims Fox News edited videos and made false statements that distorted the timeline of his communication with Trump, suggesting dishonesty on Newsom's part, which he argues could damage his political career.

• The lawsuit echoes a previous settlement Fox News made with Dominion Voting Systems for the same amount, where the network was accused of spreading false election claims, drawing parallels in Newsom's demand for accountability.

• Fox News responded by labeling the lawsuit a frivolous attempt to suppress free speech, asserting their intent to vigorously defend against the allegations and seek dismissal of the case.

• The controversy originated when Trump inaccurately claimed they spoke a day before a news conference, prompting Newsom to correct the record on social media, revealing inconsistencies in Trump's statements.

• Despite frequent criticism from Fox News, Newsom has previously engaged with the network, participating in interviews and debates, highlighting a complex relationship amid the current legal confrontation.