Gavin Newsom spox tells reporter 'f--- off' when asked for records of his dyslexia diagnosis

A reporter received a expletive-tinged response from California Gov. Gavin Newsom's communications director after being asked for records of his dyslexia diagnosis. Gavin Newsom Gavin Newsom spox tells reporter 'f--- off' when asked for records of his dyslexia diagnosis The Dem governor is facing blowback for comments he made to a Black mayor about his low SAT score By Joseph A. Wulfsohn Fox News Published February 23, 2026 9:00pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Gov. Newsom facing blowback over 'racist' clip during Georgia book tour stop Newsom says in the viral clip he is "just like you" before explaining that he did poorly on the SAT and has trouble reading. (Credit: YouTube/Gavin Newsom) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A chief spokesperson for Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom lashed out at a reporter Monday asking for medical records documenting his dyslexia diagnosis. Newsom, who's been outspoken about his dyslexia since at least 2004 when he was mayor of San Francisco, is facing blowback for comments he made in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend when he invoked his reading disability.RealClearPolitics correspondent Susan Crabtree revealed the expletive-tinged response she received when she asked for proof of Newsom's dyslexia diagnosis, which the governor previously said he received in 1972 when he was a young child. Democratic Calfornia Gov. Gavin Newsom sparked blowback for comments he made about his poor SAT score critics say were "racist." (Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images) "Hey Susan — thanks for reaching out," wrote Newsom's communications director Izzy Gardon, according to a screenshot of the email Crabtree shared on X. "Respectfully, f--- off," Gardon told Crabtree.Fox News Digital asked Gardon whether he was speaking in a personal capacity or spoke behalf of Newsom and whether he approved the response to Crabtree. Gardon replied, "Yes, Susan can f--- off." When asked whether that sentiment was shared by Newsom himself, Gardon replied, "The governor literally has no idea who Susan is."GAVIN NEWSOM'S WIFE SCOLDS REPORTERS AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING BILL SIGNING CEREMONY In a statement to Fox News Digital, Crabtree suggested a book she co-authored last year about California corruption "got under Mr. Gardon’s skin." "Californians and all Americans deserve real answers about Newsom’s claims, not lazy, expletive-laced deflections and hand gestures from a politician from a failed state who wants to be president, Crabtree said. "I’m going to continue to ask the tough questions despite this vitriolic taxpayer-funded attempt to intimidate me." Newsom's communications director told a reporter "f--- off" when asked for records showing his dyslexia diagonsis. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)The likely 2028 Democratic hopeful went viral Sunday for comments critics say are "racist" while at a book tour event in Atlanta."I'm not, you know, I'm not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you, I'm like you. I'm no better than you," Newsom told Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who is Black, during an exchange. "You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy. And, you know, and I'm not trying to offend anyone, you know, ‘trying to act all there if you got 940,’" Newsom continued. "Literally a 960 SAT guy, you’ve never seen me read a speech. Because I cannot read a speech. Maybe the wrong business to be in."NEWSOM STOP IN KEY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY STATE SPARKS MORE 2028 SPECULATION California Gov. Gavin Newsom is widely seen as a Democratic hopeful in the 2028 presidential election. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Critics accuse Newsom of demeaning the intelligence of Black people with those comments. It has been disputed whether Newsom was speaking in front of a majority-Black audience as footage of the event showed many White people in the crowd. The governor and his defenders vehemently reject the racism charges. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Related Article Newsom ripped over 'racist' viral clip telling Black mayor 'I'm like you' before touting poor SAT score Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn. Related Topics Gavin NewsomDyslexiaMediaCalifornia Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!