Never in a million years would staff sign off on that now.

Things cannot be unseen."

“We made no suggestion of any similarity,” Guilfoyle insisted toSan Francisco Gatein August 2004.

Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom smile for photo together

In the same interview, Newsom said the controversial photo was photographer Dewey Nicks' idea, not his.

“He liked the room, suggested that we do that.

He wanted something kind of warm and intimate.

Gavin Newsom speaking at podium

It’s a fashion magazine.”

As for the photo’s effect on Newsom’s career?

Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle walking together, smiling