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, featuring man-on-the-street interviews. In 2015, "Watters' World" became its own show. Watters joined The Five as a co-host in 2017. In January 2022, he became the host of Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2009: Following and Questioning Amanda Terkel

In 2009, while on assignment for "The O'Reilly Factor," Jesse Watters and his cameraman followed journalist Amanda Terkel in her car for two hours and questioned her about an article critical of Bill O'Reilly.

October 5, 2016: Watters' "Non-Apology" Tweet

On October 5, 2016, Jesse Watters tweeted what was described as a "non-apology" regarding the controversial Chinatown segment, stating he regretted if anyone found offense and that the segment was intended as a light piece.

October 2016: Criticism for Racist Segment

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

January 2017: False Claim About John Podesta's Password

In January 2017, Jesse Watters falsely claimed that John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, used "password" as his password, leading to the theft of his emails by Russian hackers. PolitiFact rated Watters' claim "False."

April 2017: Controversial Comment About Ivanka Trump

In April 2017, Jesse Watters made an on-air comment about Ivanka Trump that was criticized as lewd. He parodied holding a microphone as a phallic symbol while commenting on her voice. He denied the comment was sexual and was absent from the show for two days following the criticism.

2018: Noelle Inguagiato files for divorce

In 2018, Noelle Inguagiato filed for divorce from Jesse Watters after he admitted to an affair.

2019: Watters supports unsubstantiated claim about deported man

In 2019, Jesse Watters controversially backed the Trump administration’s unsubstantiated claim that the illegally deported Maryland man is a dangerous terrorist, suggesting that wearing a Chicago Bulls hat was indicative of being associated with MS-13. He also ridiculed the notion that Abrego Garcia fled El Salvador because his family’s pupusa shop had been shaken down by local gang members, resulting in increasing threats of violence.

July 2020: Criticism for Comments on QAnon

In July 2020, Jesse Watters' comments on QAnon drew public criticism after he stated that QAnon "uncovered a lot of great stuff" regarding Epstein and the deep state. Watters later released a statement saying he does not support or believe in QAnon.

December 2021: Advocates Confronting Dr. Fauci

In December 2021, Jesse Watters advocated for attendees at a Turning Point USA conference to aggressively confront and question Dr. Anthony Fauci, about his alleged funding of gain-of-function research, leading to calls for Watters's firing.

November 2, 2023: Controversial Remarks About the Muslim World

During the November 2, 2023, broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters made controversial remarks about the Muslim world and Arab Americans tearing down posters of Jewish hostages, which were condemned by the White House.

January 2024: Promotion of Conspiracy Theory About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

In January 2024, Jesse Watters promoted a conspiracy theory, without evidence, suggesting that the relationship between Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce was a "psyop" directed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

July 2024: Comments on Men Voting for Women

In July 2024, Jesse Watters stated 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: Controversial Comments About Kamala Harris

On August 27, 2024, Jesse Watters made controversial comments about Vice President Kamala Harris during a broadcast of The Five, leading to criticism and a subsequent on-air clarification.

September 2024: Jesse Watters criticized for comments on Tim Walz's masculinity

In September 2024, Jesse Watters received criticism for his remarks on The Five about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Watters mocked a photo of Walz drinking a milkshake with a paper straw, implying it showed a lack of masculinity. He also claimed that women wouldn't like Walz because of it. His comments sparked backlash for promoting outdated gender norms.

January 2025: Comments About Military Invasion of Canada

In January 2025, Jesse Watters expressed a desire for a military invasion of Canada, stating he wanted to "quench my imperialist thirst".

March 2025: Jesse Watters lists his "five rules for men"

In March 2025, Jesse Watters listed his "five rules for men" on The Five, advising men not to be too serious, not to eat soup in public, not to cross their legs, not to drink from a straw, and not to wave with both hands. He argued against drinking from a straw because of how it makes the lips purse, deeming it effeminate.

April 2025: Watters makes controversial comments about screen time and masculinity

In April 2025, Jesse Watters claimed that "When you sit behind a screen all day, it makes you a woman," asserting a controversial view on screen time and gender roles. He also suggested that physical work environments devoid of HR and lawyers give men estrogen. Jeanine Pirro pushed back on his claims, and the incident sparked widespread backlash.