Has anyone on Newsom’s team seen the movie?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparked a wave of backlash after comparing himself to one of Hollywood’s most infamous villains.
In a post on X, Newsom shared a split-screen image of his face alongside actor Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman from the 2000 film “American Psycho.”
The comparison quickly drew sharp criticism online.
“Not sure if your comms guy read who Patrick Bateman is… but I don’t think comparing yourself to Patrick Bateman is the flex you think it is,” YouTuber Nick Shirley wrote.
Not sure if your comms guy read who Patrick Bateman is… but I don’t think comparing yourself to Patrick Bateman is the flex you think it is pic.twitter.com/Frewe3dFMM
— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) March 24, 2026
“You’re a weirdo and the entire world can see it now,” another user replied.
“Yeah… you’re a psycho. Unfortunately California is your victim,” a third added.
Other users mocked the post as tone-deaf, with some labeling Newsom an “Un-American Psycho” and questioning the decision-making behind the message.
“Who posts stuff like this about themselves?” one critic asked.
“Bro, this is X, not Tinder,” the Monterey County Republican Party wrote.
Bro, this is X, not Tinder. https://t.co/kO6rcbz5K3
— Monterey County Republican Party (@MCGOP_CA) March 24, 2026
Yikes — if your Newsom’s comms team, this one went viral for all the wrong reasons.
More over at The New York Post:
Gavin Newsom roasted for bizarrely comparing himself to psycho slasher movie character https://t.co/3aETZP2lua pic.twitter.com/FXGsClM6oM
— New York Post (@nypost) March 24, 2026