'You are the biggest fraud': Nick Shirley calls out Gavin Newsom for taking credit after California charges 21 in hospice fraud case

Nillohit Bagchi | Apr 10, 2026, 16:13 IST

Nick Shirley has accused Gavin Newsom of hypocrisy after California announced a major hospice fraud crackdown. The journalist claims he exposed the scheme first, only to be mocked and targeted. Now, with arrests made, his viral post has reignited debate over accountability, media credibility, and political double standards.

Image credit : X/@DramaAlert | Nick Shirley has accused Gavin Newsom of hypocrisy after California announced a major hospice fraud crackdown

Independent journalist Nick Shirley has sparked a major online debate after directly accusing California Governor Gavin Newsom of hypocrisy. In a viral post, Shirley claimed that Newsom’s team mocked and dismissed his investigation into hospice fraud, only to later announce a major crackdown on the same issue.

The clash has quickly gained traction across social media, with millions viewing the exchange and thousands weighing in. At the centre of the controversy is a serious allegation involving fraudulent Medi Cal billing, stolen identities, and questions about who truly exposed the scheme first.

Nick Shirley’s investigation and what he uncovered

Nick Shirley built his following by filming on the ground and documenting suspected fraud cases. After gaining attention for exposing childcare fraud in Minnesota, he shifted focus to California’s Medi Cal system.

🚨 Here is the full 40 minutes of my crew and I exposing California fraud, Minnesota was big but California is even bigger... We uncovered over $170,000,000 in fraud as these fraudsters live in luxury with no consequences. Like it and share it, the fraud must STOP.

We ALL work… pic.twitter.com/7nWX9jL6NI

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) March 17, 2026

In his recent investigation, Shirley claimed to uncover over 170 million dollars in suspicious hospice billings. His videos showed multiple hospice providers registered at the same addresses, raising concerns about legitimacy. He also pointed to operators living lavish lifestyles and alleged that identities of healthy elderly individuals were being used to file false claims.

His reporting quickly spread online, drawing attention from political figures and watchdog groups. Some supporters saw it as raw, unfiltered journalism. Critics questioned his methods, but the scale of the allegations kept the story alive.

Gavin Newsom’s response and the controversy

The situation escalated when Newsom’s office publicly dismissed Shirley’s work. A social media post from the governor’s team mocked the journalist, using an edited image that suggested inappropriate behaviour during his filming.

This was Newscam just YESTERDAY and today he is admitting that hospices are committing fraud.

And what do you mean “hospices” video shows all the names (Holly Angels Hospice, Miracle Hospice, etc)

Support my work and help me continue to expose Newscam: https://t.co/6gqsnSA4r0 pic.twitter.com/rpnNTwimIT

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) April 10, 2026

Shirley later said this portrayal led to serious consequences. According to him, the narrative triggered online harassment, including doxxing attempts and death threats. He argued that instead of addressing the issue, officials chose to discredit the messenger.

At the time, state officials also suggested that some of the claims were exaggerated or outside California’s direct responsibility, pointing to federal systems like Medicare.

Sudden crackdown on hospice fraud

On April 9, 2026, the narrative shifted. Newsom announced that California was taking strong action against hospice fraud. Alongside Attorney General Rob Bonta, the state filed charges against 21 suspects linked to 14 hospice providers.

Gavin Newscam.

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) April 10, 2026

Authorities said the scheme involved stolen identities, often taken from people outside California, and used to enrol fake patients into Medi Cal. Providers allegedly billed for hospice services that were never delivered, resulting in around 267 million dollars in improper claims. The announcement was framed as a major step in tackling organised fraud. However, for many online, the timing raised questions.

Nick Shirley calls out Gavin Newsom

Shirley responded almost immediately. Quoting Newsom’s announcement, he accused the governor of hypocrisy. He argued that the same issue he was criticised for highlighting was now being presented as a government success story.

His post quickly went viral, gathering hundreds of thousands of likes. He also shared side by side comparisons showing earlier mockery from officials and the new fraud crackdown announcement. The message struck a chord with many users who felt the journalist had been unfairly targeted.

You tried to paint me as a pervert for exposing fraud, and as a result radical leftists started trying to dox me and send death threats, wanting to kill me.

Now you are taking credit for “leading the charge” on the fraud. Are you serious?

You are the fraud. https://t.co/6pkaJcNi6Y

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) April 10, 2026

Public reaction was intense and divided, though largely supportive of Shirley. One user on X said, “Gavin Newsom is a fraud,” echoing a sentiment seen across many replies. Another viral post read, “A young man with a phone exposed this and got mocked, now they take credit.”

Some users praised Shirley directly, thanking him for exposing corruption and calling for more accountability. Others questioned why his work was not acknowledged if it helped bring attention to the issue.

Not everyone agreed. A smaller group defended Newsom, arguing that investigations of this scale take time and are not driven by social media videos. A few critics also accused Shirley of seeking attention. Still, the dominant tone online leaned towards frustration with how the situation unfolded.

GENERAL

Nillohit Bagchi