Gavin Newsom's wife told San Quentin inmates she ran over and killed her sister with golf cart

SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA: A resurfaced video of Jennifer Siebel Newsom is drawing strong reactions online after showing the filmmaker and wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom sharing a deeply personal story with inmates at San Quentin State Prison.

The clip, which began circulating widely on Tuesday, April 7, has sparked debate over her remarks and the way she connected her past experience to incarcerated individuals.

In the video, Siebel Newsom speaks candidly about a tragic childhood incident involving the death of her younger sister, Stacey, and how she used that experience to relate to youth offenders during a visit to the prison.

Siebel Newsom shares childhood tragedy with San Quentin inmates

Siebel Newsom recounts how, at just six years old, she was involved in a devastating accident during a 1981 family vacation in Hawaii. According to her account, a golf cart she was in reversed and struck her eight-year-old sister, who was standing behind it.

She said she carried the weight of that moment for years, blaming herself for Stacey’s death despite it being ruled an accident.

In the resurfaced video, she explains how she brought up this experience while speaking to inmates, many of whom were juvenile offenders. She described herself as a “blonde lady” with a “similar story,” suggesting a shared sense of circumstance.

Referring to the incident, she said it was a case of being in the “wrong place, wrong time,” and added that while she was not punished because it was clearly an accident, “there’s was probably an accident, too.”

Comments draw criticism and accusations of being tone-deaf

The comparison has not sat well with many online, with critics arguing that equating her personal tragedy with the actions of incarcerated individuals was inappropriate.

Former collegiate swimmer and political activist Riley Gaines wrote, “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.”

Gaines added, “Peak elite tone-deafness.”

Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general overseeing the US Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, reacted briefly but pointedly, saying, “What the …”

Resurfaced video adds to pattern of controversial moments

The timing of the video’s reappearance has also drawn attention.

It comes as Gavin Newsom is widely expected to position himself for a potential presidential run in 2028, placing increased scrutiny on public statements made by those close to him.

Critics have pointed to the clip as part of what they describe as a pattern of candid but sometimes awkward public remarks by Siebel Newsom that have sparked debate over her tone and messaging.

While the exact date of the video remains unclear, a spokesperson confirmed it was connected to one of her film-related visits to San Quentin.

Over the years, she has reportedly made multiple visits to the prison, including hosting a movie night in 2016 featuring her documentary ‘he Mask You Live In’.

In the video, Siebel Newsom also spoke about her approach to engaging with inmates, stressing on openness and emotional honesty.

“I quite enjoy spending time with people and being real, and unmasking, and showing them it’s safe to unmask themselves,” she said.