California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly mocked a controversial “ice barbies war-zone” stunt circulating online, calling it out as absurd and politically motivated.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken aim at a viral “ice barbies war-zone” stunt, using biting commentary to question its authenticity and motive. He referred to the video as “absurd” and accused its creators of staging political theater under the guise of protest.
In an address today, Newsom said the stunt was “designed more for clicks than change,” and urged viewers to scrutinize such provocations before accepting them at face value. He criticized the spectacle as emblematic of social media’s power to distort reality.
Supporters of the stunt maintain it highlights urgent issues, but Newsom dismissed that rationale, calling it “cheap theatrics” and warning against conflating performance with policy. He insisted that real engagement requires facts, not sensationalism.
Meanwhile, commentators are debating whether the stunt serves as a legitimate protest or merely a viral gimmick — and whether Newsom’s mockery will help defuse or amplify its reach.