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, known for its man-on-the-street interviews. In 2015, "Watters' World" became a standalone show. Watters joined The Five as a co-host in 2017. In January 2022, he began hosting his own program, Jesse Watters Primetime, on Fox News Channel.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1974: "Kung Fu Fighting" song used in segment

In October 2016, During Jesse Watters's World segment that was considered racist, the 1974 song "Kung Fu Fighting" was played in the background

Loading Video...

2009: Follows 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 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: Tweets "Non-Apology"

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

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, involving questions about karate, bowing, and stolen watches 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's password was "password," a claim Politifact rated as "False."

April 2017: Lewd Comment About Ivanka Trump

In April 2017, shortly after becoming a co-host on The Five, Jesse Watters made an on-air comment about Ivanka Trump that was criticized as lewd, resulting in him being off the show for two days that week.

2018: Inguagiato files for divorce

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

2019: Watters links Chicago Bulls hat to MS-13 gang

In 2019, Watters supported the Trump administration's claim that a deported Maryland man was a terrorist, asserting that wearing a Chicago Bulls hat implied gang affiliation and association with high-ranking MS-13 gangsters. Watters ridiculed the man's claim for asylum, because his family pupusa shop had been threatened by gang violence.

July 2020: Comments on QAnon Draw Criticism

In July 2020, Jesse Watters' comments on QAnon drew public criticism. He stated that QAnon had "uncovered a lot of great stuff when it comes to Epstein and it comes to the deep state" and that he "never saw Q as dangerous as antifa."

December 2021: Advocates Confronting 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 about his alleged funding of gain-of-function research, using a "kill shot" metaphor.

November 2, 2023: Controversial Comments on Muslim World

During the November 2, 2023 broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters made controversial comments about the Muslim world during a segment about the Gaza war protests, leading to condemnation and calls for an apology.

January 2024: Claims About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

In January 2024, Jesse Watters claimed, 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: Comments on Men Voting for Women

In July 2024, Jesse Watters said 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: Comments on Kamala Harris

During the August 27, 2024 broadcast of The Five, Jesse Watters commented on Vice President Kamala Harris. His comments were criticized, and he later addressed the criticism, stating his comments were misconstrued as being sexual.

September 2024: Criticism for Comments on Tim Walz's Milkshake Photo

In September 2024, Jesse Watters faced criticism for mocking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on "The Five" for a photo of him drinking a milkshake with a paper straw. Watters claimed it showed a lack of masculinity, sparking backlash for promoting outdated gender norms. Governor Walz responded by defending the post.

2024: Walz's Remarks on Newsom Podcast

In 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said on the This is Gavin Newsom podcast, that MAGA voters are "scared" of his masculinity, which was followed by Watters' ridicule in March 2025 for Walz's appearance on the podcast.

January 2025: Desire for Military Invasion of Canada

During a broadcast on January 2025, Jesse Watters expressed a desire for a military invasion of Canada amidst the backdrop of United States Presidential nominee Donald Trump's comments about turning Canada into America's 51st state.

March 2025: Watters' 'Five Rules for Men' on The Five

In March 2025, Jesse Watters listed his "five rules for men" on "The Five," including not drinking from a straw because it's effeminate. He referenced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his milkshake, sparking ridicule and highlighting Watters' insecurity, according to The Independent.

April 2025: Watters' Comments on Screen Time and Masculinity

In April 2025, Jesse Watters claimed that sitting behind a screen all day "makes you a woman", and that working physical jobs gives men less exposure to "HR ladies and lawyers" and therefore less estrogen. The remarks sparked backlash across social media.