(KGTV) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has admitted that he should not have attended a birthday dinner with a dozen people, as critics slammed the move as hypocritical.
Newsom attended an outdoor dinner at The French Laundry in Napa County on Nov. 6, according to the Associated Press. The party, which included 12 people including Newsom and his wife, was held to celebrate the 50th birthday of the governor's political adviser Jason Kinney.
In a statement to The San Francisco Chronicle, which first reported on the party, Newsom said he should have set a better example as many Californians battle virus-fatigue amid an increase in coronavirus cases.
California prohibits indoor or outdoor gatherings of more than three households as part of its COVID-19 guidance.
Monday, Gov. Newsom pointed to gatherings as a factor in rising coronavirus cases.
"It’s for obvious reasons. People are letting their guard down," Newsom said this week. "They’re taking their masks off. They’re starting to get together outside of their household cohorts. They’re starting to see businesses reopen and we’re starting, again, to see more people mixing."
The California Republican Party has accused Newsom of “talking out of both sides of his mouth.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
