Story perspectives

Newsom's Office Faces Backlash Over Grindr Remark Amid Fraud Claims

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office mocked conservative commentator Benny Johnson by referencing Grindr after Johnson claimed fraud investigations.
Critics, including Harmeet K. Dhillon, condemned the remarks as derogatory toward the gay community.
Newsom's office defended the comments, stating, "We love gay people," and dismissed the criticism as overly sensitive.
Johnson accused the governor of deflecting attention from state fraud issues.
The controversy coincides with ongoing hospice fraud investigations in California.

1 of 1

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office mocked conservative commentator Benny Johnson by referencing Grindr after Johnson claimed fraud investigations.
Critics, including Harmeet K. Dhillon, condemned the remarks as derogatory toward the gay community.
Newsom's office defended the comments, stating, "We love gay people," and dismissed the criticism as overly sensitive.
Johnson accused the governor of deflecting attention from state fraud issues.
The controversy coincides with ongoing hospice fraud investigations in California.