Newsom’s 'I can’t read' moment goes viral as he promotes his memoir in Atlanta

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparked backlash at an Atlanta book-tour event when he told a predominantly Black audience that he’s “like you” because he can’t read and that he scored 960 on the SAT, a self-deprecating moment tied to his memoir Young Man in a Hurry. The clip, viewed millions of times (over 35 million), ignited questions about privilege and authenticity, drawing criticism from figures like Nicki Minaj even as Newsom’s team blamed MAGA-driven outrage. His dyslexia is acknowledged, but critics argue the billionaire background and premium-book-tour setting undermine any claim of relatability as he promotes the memoir.