The Delaware Supreme Court has ruled against Fox News Network, LLC (FNN) in a defamation case filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision, made on August 6, 2026, affects how media companies handle defamation claims and could have broader implications for free speech and press liability.
The case began when Governor Newsom accused FNN of defamation per se and violating California’s Unfair Competition Law. The dispute arose after a phone call between Newsom and former President Donald Trump was misrepresented on FNN, leading to Newsom's public denial of the call. The court's ruling is significant, as it addresses the responsibilities of media outlets in reporting and the legal standards for defamation.
Background
The parties involved in this case are Fox News Network, a major American news outlet, and Gavin C. Newsom, the Governor of California. The conflict began on June 6, 2025, when Newsom had a phone conversation with Trump. After the call, Newsom publicly stated there was no call, prompting Trump to provide evidence of the conversation.
On June 10, 2025, during a press conference, Trump claimed he spoke with Newsom the previous day. Following this, FNN aired segments that suggested Newsom had lied about the call. Newsom then filed a complaint against FNN in the Superior Court of Delaware, alleging defamation. The case moved through the legal system, with FNN seeking to dismiss the complaint on various grounds, including the claim that Delaware was not the appropriate jurisdiction.
The Ruling
The Delaware Supreme Court ruled on the appeal filed by FNN after the Superior Court denied its motion to dismiss the case. The Superior Court had previously determined that Newsom's claims of defamation were valid under California law, concluding that FNN acted with actual malice. The court stated, "It is reasonably conceivable... that FNN knew the statements were false at the time of making them."
FNN's appeal sought to challenge this ruling, arguing that it should not have to litigate in Delaware and that the defamation claims were unfounded. However, the Delaware Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision, stating that exceptional circumstances for an interlocutory appeal were not present. The court emphasized that the benefits of such an appeal did not outweigh the potential costs and disruptions.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for media companies and their reporting practices. By upholding Newsom's defamation claims, the court reinforces the legal standards that hold media outlets accountable for the accuracy of their reporting. It also highlights the importance of truth in journalism and the potential consequences of misrepresentation.
The decision may encourage other public figures to pursue similar claims against media outlets when they believe they have been defamed. Additionally, it could lead to increased scrutiny of how news organizations report on political figures and events, as they may face legal repercussions for inaccuracies.
What's Next
FNN may not have further options for appeal regarding this ruling, as the Delaware Supreme Court has denied the interlocutory appeal. It remains to be seen how the case will proceed in the Superior Court, where the substantive defamation claims will be addressed. Details regarding any related cases or further developments were not available in the court filing.