Gavin Newsom’s wife shares sister death, empathizes with San Quentin inmates

A viral video circulating on social media this Tuesday captures Jennifer Siebel Newsom, an outspoken filmmaker and spouse of California Governor Gavin Newsom, recounting a childhood tragedy. She describes how an accidental incident that resulted in her sister’s death became a poignant story she shared with young offenders at San Quentin State Prison.

At just six years old, Siebel Newsom was involved in a fatal accident in Hawaii involving a golf cart, which led to the death of her sister, Stacey. In the video, she explains that she held herself responsible for the incident, a narrative that evidently left a profound impact on the inmates, many of whom were juvenile offenders.


San Quentin State Prison with a mountain in the background.
In a video Siebel Newsom recalled telling prisoners at San Quentin state prison about how she killed her sister. Bloomberg via Getty Images

“Newsom’s wife’s latest virtue signal is telling San Quentin lifers that she faced zero consequences when her sister was killed because it was an accident then telling them their life sentences are probably for “accidents” too,” wrote Riley Gaines, the former collegiate swimmer turned conservative political activist.

Gaines added, “Peak elite tone-deafness.”

Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general in charge of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, deadpanned: “What the …”

It’s unclear when exactly the video interview of Siebel Newsom occurred, but reports suggest California’s “First Partner” has made multiple trips to San Quentin over the years, including a movie night in 2016 in which she showed her documentary “The Mask You Live In.”

“I quite enjoy spending time with people and being real, and unmasking, and showing them it’s safe to unmask themselves,” Siebel Newsom says in the resurfaced video.

A spokesperson for Siebel Newsom confirmed the interview was connected to the film but did not identify exactly when it occurred and declined further comment.

Siebel Newsom’s tragic family story made headlines after a 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, when she described experiencing lasting survivor’s guilt and feeling pressure to “be perfect” in the aftermath.


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


You May Also Like

Race faker Hannah Gann ripped for using 'blaccent' to hide true identity

Hannah Gann Criticized Over Alleged Blaccent Identity Claims

Hannah Gann, a Philadelphia activist whose claims of Black and Palestinian heritage…
Bryan Kohberger traded death penalty for life sentence that could still end violently behind bars

Unsealed Memo Claims Bryan Kohberger Didn’t Understand Guilty Plea

Prosecutors push back on Bryan Kohberger plea bid in Idaho student murders…
Chris Spatola, basketball commentator and Mike Krzyzewski's son-in-law, dies at 47

Chris Spatola, Basketball Commentator and Mike Krzyzewski’s Son-in-Law, Dies at 47

Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst and the son-in-law of legendary former…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Mundelein Coach and Teacher Charged With Recording Teen

MUNDELEIN, Ill. () — A suburban volleyball coach has been charged with…
Texas lawmaker warns accused wife-killer's Italy escape could open 'Pandora's box' for future suspects

Texas Lawmaker Warns Italy Escape Could Set Suspect Precedent

A Texas lawmaker is cautioning that the case of an accused wife-killer…
Texas man charged with capital murder after 5-year-old killed in roadway shooting

Texas Man Charged With Capital Murder in Fatal Roadway Shooting of 5-Year-Old

A Texas man has been arrested and charged with capital murder after…
What is EMDR? Patrick Clancy said 'miracle' treatment helped him face trauma of losing kids

What Is EMDR Therapy? Patrick Clancy Says It Helped Him Confront Trauma After Losing His Children

Patrick Clancy says a therapy technique he used to cope with the…
Battle-tested Zelenskyy sounds chilling alarm on where Putin’s war could head next

Zelenskyy’s Warning: Where Putin’s War Could Spread Next

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Tuesday that Russia may target additional European…
New Jersey police pull out 3-foot python from woman's car grille, bodycam video shows

Bodycam Video Shows New Jersey Police Removing 3-Foot Python From Woman’s Car Grille

A New Jersey driver came home from a wheel alignment to find…
New bride was trapped under dead husband for hours when chopper crashed taking them from wedding: lawsuit

Bride Trapped Under Husband in Wedding Chopper Crash, Suit Says

A newlywed groom was killed when a helicopter carrying him from his…
Third beluga whale, Osiris, dies at Chicago aquarium -- after rescue from shuttered Canada marine park

Third Rescued Beluga, Osiris, Dies at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

A third beluga whale has died at a Chicago aquarium after being…
Trump: U.S.-Iran Talks ‘Went Very Well’ — There Is ‘Momentum’ Toward Deal

Trump Says U.S.-Iran Talks Gain Momentum Toward Deal

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that three hours of U.S.-Iran discussions held…