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
Daredevil who performed at Super Bowl with Madonna killed in Utah canyon BASE jump

Super Bowl Stunt Legend Who Performed With Madonna Dies in Tragic Utah Canyon BASE Jump

Andy Lewis, the daredevil athlete who thrilled millions during Madonna’s 2012 Super…
Trump in G7 summit in France as he touts signing of Iran memorandum

Trump Arrives at G7 Summit in France, Promotes Iran Memorandum Signing

President Trump arrived in France on Monday for the Group of Seven…
Vicious rattlesnake goes berserk after child spots it in preschool playhouse

Rattlesnake Found in Preschool Playhouse After Child Spots It

As California faces what specialists describe as an unusually severe surge in…
Iran war update: US President Trump says deal reached with Iran and he has authorized that naval blockade leave Strait of Hormuz

Trump Says Iran Deal Reached, Orders Naval Blockade to Exit Strait of Hormuz

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan said the United States and Iran have agreed to…
Young woman who fell to her death in dramatic rope jump tragedy is buried in Brazil

Brazil buries young woman killed in fatal rope-jump accident

SAO PAULO, Brazil — A 21-year-old woman who died after two rope-jumping…
Darializa Avila Chevalier claimed US is worse than Hamas

Darializa Avila Chevalier Says U.S. Is Worse Than Hamas

Darializa Avila Chevalier, a far-left congressional candidate backed by New York City’s…
Beauty mogul Anastasia Soare says she could have only built her eyebrow empire in America

How Anastasia Soare Built Her Eyebrow Empire in America—and Why It Couldn’t Have Happened Anywhere Else

Through July 4, The Post, in partnership with the Milken Center for…
NYC dad shot to death at Knicks block party just minutes after historic victory

NYC Father Fatally Shot at Knicks Block Party Minutes After Team’s Historic Victory

A Brooklyn father of four was fatally shot at a Knicks block…
Fleeing suspect in New Jersey strikes ICE agent, who opens fire

New Jersey Suspect Hits ICE Agent During Escape, Prompting Officer to Open Fire

Federal immigration agents were trying to apprehend a suspect in New Jersey…
DJ Peter Rosenberg catches heat for claiming Karmelo Anthony should have gotten lighter sentence in Austin Metcalf's murder

Peter Rosenberg Faces Backlash After Saying Karmelo Anthony Deserved a Lighter Sentence in Austin Metcalf Murder Case

Radio host Peter Rosenberg is facing heavy backlash after suggesting that Texas…
Stephen A. Smith says 'Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf'

Stephen A. Smith Says Karmelo Anthony Killed Austin Metcalf

Stephen A. Smith is making his position on the Karmelo Anthony verdict…
California woman, 30, vanishes on Costa Rica hike during flash flooding and mudslides

California Woman, 30, Missing After Costa Rica Hike Amid Flash Flooding and Mudslides

A California woman remains missing in Costa Rica after severe weather triggered…