Gavin Newsom's Falling Out With Billionaire Bestie Revealed

The former San Francisco mayor details the bitter rift with his ex-business partner and friend, Billy Getty, in his new memoir.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry,' California Governor Gavin Newsom opens up about the messy falling-out with his former close friend and business partner, Billy Getty, the son of billionaire oil heir Gordon Getty. The two young men were once so close they vacationed together in Maui, but their relationship soured over Newsom's close ties to Billy's father and resentment from Billy's wife Vanessa.

Why it matters

The breakdown of Newsom's friendship with Billy Getty provides a rare glimpse into the personal and financial dynamics between the governor, a prominent California political figure, and the Getty family, one of the wealthiest dynasties in the state. It also highlights the challenges that can arise when personal and business relationships become entangled.

The details

Newsom and Billy Getty grew close after Newsom's brother Andrew's death, bonding over their shared interest in San Francisco history and the wine business. The two launched the Plumpjack wine shop and Balboa Cafe together, with funding from Gordon Getty. However, tensions arose after Billy and his wife Vanessa returned from their honeymoon, with Vanessa demanding that Newsom vacate a Pacific Heights property they had planned to renovate together. Vanessa then launched a 'forensic audit' of Plumpjack, apparently suspecting Newsom of benefiting at Billy's expense. When confronted by reporters, Gordon Getty sided with Newsom, eventually buying out his son's stake in the business. The falling-out left a lasting impact on Newsom, who describes it as 'one of the great holes' in his life.

  • Newsom and Billy Getty went on a group vacation to Maui with their respective partners in the late 1990s.
  • Newsom and Billy Getty bought a 'fixer-upper' property in Pacific Heights and planned a renovation project together.
  • After Billy and Vanessa Getty returned from their honeymoon in Bali, Vanessa demanded that Newsom vacate the Pacific Heights property.
  • Vanessa Getty launched a 'forensic audit' of the Plumpjack business to identify any ways Newsom could be benefiting at Billy's expense.
  • Gordon Getty sided with Newsom when confronted by reporters, and later bought out his son Billy's stake in the Plumpjack business.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, who was once close friends and business partners with Billy Getty.

Billy Getty

The son of billionaire oil heir Gordon Getty, who was once close friends and business partners with Gavin Newsom.

Gordon Getty

The billionaire oil heir who bankrolled Newsom and Billy Getty's Plumpjack wine business, and ultimately sided with Newsom in the falling-out with his son.

Vanessa Getty

Billy Getty's wife, who demanded that Newsom vacate a Pacific Heights property and launched a 'forensic audit' of the Plumpjack business.

Kimberly Guilfoyle

Newsom's former girlfriend, who went on the Maui vacation with the group.

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What they’re saying

“I believe 100% in Gavin. When he is accused of wrongdoing, I'm on his side.”

— Gordon Getty (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The breakdown of Newsom's friendship with Billy Getty highlights the complexities that can arise when personal, business, and political relationships become intertwined. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of mixing close friendships with high-stakes financial and professional ventures.