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 rose to prominence through his "Watters' World" segment on The O'Reilly Factor, which evolved into its own show in 2015. Watters became a co-host of The Five in 2017 and launched his own program, Jesse Watters Primetime, in 2022. He is also the author of "How I Saved the World" and "Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe."

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1974: Kung Fu Fighting Release

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

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October 5, 2016: Watters Responded to Criticism

On October 5, 2016, Jesse Watters tweeted what was described as a "non-apology" regarding the controversial Chinatown segment, stating that the interviews were meant to be "tongue-in-cheek" and he regretted if anyone found offense.

October 2016: Watters Criticized 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 asking Chinese Americans in New York City's Chinatown stereotypical questions and included references to martial arts and the song "Kung Fu Fighting".

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January 2017: Watters Made False Claim

In January 2017, Jesse Watters falsely claimed that John Podesta's password was "password", regarding the theft of Podesta's emails.

April 2017: Watters' Lewd Comment

In April 2017, two days after joining The Five, Jesse Watters made a comment about Ivanka Trump that was criticized as lewd, resulting in him being off the show for two days.

2018: Noelle Inguagiato files for divorce after Watters' affair

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

2019: Watters Backs Trump's Claim Linking Deported Man to MS-13 Gang Based on Chicago Bulls Hat

In 2019, Jesse Watters controversially supported the Trump administration’s claim that a deported Maryland man was a dangerous terrorist, suggesting that the man's Chicago Bulls hat indicated gang affiliation. Watters questioned why Garcia wore a Bulls hat while living in Maryland and being from El Salvador, implying a connection to MS-13. He also dismissed the man's claim of fleeing gang violence in El Salvador.

July 2020: Watters Commented on QAnon

In July 2020, Jesse Watters' comments on his show about the conspiracy theory movement QAnon drew public criticism. He later stated that he does not support or believe in the group.

November 2, 2023: Watters Made Controversial Statements

During the November 2, 2023, broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters made controversial statements about the Muslim world and Arab Americans in relation to the Israel–Hamas war protests. His statements were condemned by the White House.

January 2024: Watters Proposed Psyop Theory

In January 2024, Jesse Watters presented to his viewers, 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 Made Controversial Comments

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: Watters Criticized for Kamala Harris Comments

During the August 27, 2024, broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters commented on Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, "We don't know who she is..." and received immediate criticism for the comment.

September 2024: Jesse Watters criticized for comments about Tim Walz

In September 2024, Jesse Watters faced criticism for comments made on The Five regarding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Watters mocked Walz for drinking a milkshake with a paper straw, claiming it demonstrated a lack of masculinity and that women would dislike Walz because of it. He also ridiculed Walz for ordering a "vanilla shake" instead of a "vanilla ice cream shake," suggesting it made him appear weak. The remarks drew backlash for promoting outdated gender norms. Governor Walz responded by defending his post and urging a focus on important issues.

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

In April 2025, Jesse Watters said that "When you sit behind a screen all day, it makes you a woman, Studies have shown this," and repeated the claim. Watters also stated that physical work environments, free from HR and lawyers, increase testosterone levels. The comments were made during a discussion about the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on masculinity. The incident sparked backlash on social media.