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Resurfaced Clip Shows Jennifer Siebel Newsom Telling San Quentin Inmates Their Crimes Were 'Probably an Accident'

The years-old interview is fueling conservative attacks on Gavin Newsom’s image.

Overview

  • The video, recirculating Tuesday across X and other platforms, shows Siebel Newsom comparing her childhood tragedy with inmates serving life terms and saying their crimes were "probably an accident too."
  • Newsweek and other outlets identify the footage as a 2016 interview connected to her documentary The Mask You Live In, and a spokesperson confirmed the film link but would not provide a date.
  • Riley Gaines, Donald Trump Jr., and Senator Mike Lee condemned the remarks, with Lee writing that murders are not accidental.
  • Siebel Newsom has previously described survivor’s guilt from a 1981 Hawaii golf‑cart accident in which, at age six, she unintentionally struck and killed her eight‑year‑old sister.
  • Coverage is being driven by reposts from right‑leaning media and commentators, and there have been no reported official repercussions even as San Quentin’s history housing serious offenders shapes the debate.