Major Controversies Surrounding Jesse Watters: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Jesse Watters—discover key moments of controversy.

Jesse Watters is an American conservative political commentator and television host on Fox News. He gained prominence through his "Watters' World" segment on The O'Reilly Factor, known for its man-on-the-street interviews. "Watters' World" later became a standalone show in 2015. He also became a co-host on The Five in 2017. In January 2022, Watters began hosting his own program, Jesse Watters Primetime, on Fox News.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1974: "Kung Fu Fighting" Song Used in Watters' World Segment

In October 2016, the 1974 song "Kung Fu Fighting" played in the background of a Watters' World segment that was widely considered racist toward Asian Americans.

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2009: Watters Follows Amanda Terkel for The O'Reilly Factor

In 2009, on assignment for The O'Reilly Factor, Jesse Watters and his cameraman followed journalist Amanda Terkel in her car for two hours while she drove to Winchester, Virginia, for vacation, and then asked her questions about an article she wrote that was critical of Bill O'Reilly.

October 5, 2016: Watters Tweets "Non-Apology" for Chinatown Segment

On October 5, 2016, Jesse Watters tweeted what was called a "non-apology" about the Watters' World segment that was widely considered racist toward Asian Americans, stating that the interviews are meant to be tongue-in-cheek and he regrets if anyone found offense.

October 2016: Watters' World Segment Criticized as Racist

In October 2016, Jesse Watters was criticized for a segment of Watters' World that was widely considered racist toward Asian Americans. The segment, filmed in New York City's Chinatown, included questions and stereotypes about Chinese Americans.

January 2017: Watters' Claim About Podesta's Password Rated False

In January 2017, Jesse Watters faulted John Podesta for the theft of his emails, claiming his password was 'password.' The fact-checking website PolitiFact rated Watters' claim as "False."

April 2017: Watters' Comment About Ivanka Trump Criticized as Lewd

In April 2017, after joining The Five, Jesse Watters made an on-air comment about Ivanka Trump that was criticized as lewd. Watters denied his comment was sexual.

2018: Noelle Inguagiato files for divorce

In 2018, Noelle Inguagiato filed for divorce after Jesse Watters admitted to having an affair with Emma DiGiovine.

July 2020: Watters' Comments on QAnon Draw Criticism

In July 2020, Jesse Watters' comments during his show about the conspiracy theory movement, QAnon, drew public criticism. He released a statement clarifying his remarks.

December 2021: Watters Advocates Aggressive Confrontation of Dr. Fauci

In December 2021, at the Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference, Jesse Watters advocated for attendees to aggressively confront and question Dr. Anthony Fauci. His comments were criticized, and Dr. Fauci called for Watters to be fired.

November 2, 2023: Watters' Comments on Muslim World Condemned

During the November 2, 2023, broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters stated "We've had it with them" referring to the Muslim world during a segment about the Israel–Hamas war protests. These statements were condemned.

January 2024: Watters Presents Taylor Swift "Psyop" Theory

In January 2024, Jesse Watters presented to his viewers a thought, without evidence, that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship was part of a "psyop" directed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

July 2024: Watters Makes Controversial Comment on Men Voting for Women

In July 2024, Jesse Watters joked that he "heard the scientists say the other day that when a man votes for a woman, he actually transitions into a woman."

August 27, 2024: Watters Criticized for Comments on Kamala Harris

During the August 27, 2024, broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters commented on Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, "She's going to get paralyzed in the Situation Room while the generals have their way with her". Watters received criticism for the comment.

January 2025: Watters Expresses Desire for Military Invasion of Canada

During a broadcast in January 2025, Jesse Watters expressed a desire for a military invasion of Canada. He stated, "Canada... the fact that they don’t want us to take them over makes me want to invade. I want to quench my imperialist thirst".