It is normally said that words can be powerful, but sometimes they just go too far. On Monday’s edition of The Five, Fox News host Jesse Watters made a shocking comment about Vice President Kamala Harris. He joked that if Harris became president, the generals in the Situation Room would “have their way with her.” While Watters tried to laugh it off as a metaphor, his fellow conservatives on the panel didn’t find it funny, and neither did anyone else with a working moral compass.
Jeanine Pirro, who is known for being outspoken, quickly disagreed and told him firmly, “I don’t like that. Take it back.” Even Dana Perino, usually calm, joined in and scolded him by using his full name, “Jesse Bailey Watters” (yes, his middle name is Bailey). Both women made it clear they didn’t approve of what Watters had said, and they didn’t hesitate to let him know.
Watters tried to explain that he meant “figuratively” and not in a sexual way, but it was too late. The internet wasn’t buying it, causing a big reaction on social media. Many people were shocked and angry, with some even asking for him to be fired from Fox News. The remark was seen as very inappropriate, and it sparked a lot of negative attention.
Amy Siskind, a well-known activist, tweeted, “Jesse Watters should be fired for this. Even the two women on this panel were appalled. What say you, @FoxNews?” Her tweet was flooded with responses, with users expressing their outrage.
Jesse Waters should be fired for this. Even the two women on this panel were appalled. What say you @FoxNews? pic.twitter.com/68zjgNf2gv
— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) August 27, 2024
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
One Twitter user, John Eller, wrote, “Why would anyone be watching this show anyway, Jesse Watters is a total idiot.” Another, Michael Crush, added, “Given Jesse Watters’ words and his previous behavior towards women, he shows classic signs of a sexual predator.” Harsh words, but can you blame them?
Why would anyone be watching this show anyway, Jesse Waters is a total idiot.
— John Eller (@woodchippell) August 27, 2024
Steve Daugherty, another Twitter user, didn’t hold back either, saying, “Jesse’s role seems to be providing the world a real-time, living example of anxious, narrow, undeveloped manhood. It’s a service, in its way.”
Jesse’s role seems to be providing the world a real time, living example of anxious, narrow, undeveloped manhood. It’s a service, in its way.
— Steve Daugherty (@stepd0c) August 27, 2024
L J summed it up perfectly: “We’re talking about Fox News. Comments like this don’t get them fired; it gets them promoted.”
We’re talking about Fox News. Comments like this don’t get them fired, it gets them promoted.
— L J (@LJNewsOpinions) August 27, 2024
It’s not the first time that Watters has stirred up controversy with his comments, and it likely won’t be the last. As user Asim put it, “Not the first time that Fox has provided solace and a safe place for such misogynists holding disgusting ideas and thoughts about women’s rights and place in modern society.”
Not the first time that Fox has provided solace and a safe place for such misogynists holding disgusting ideas and thoughts about women’s rights and place in modern society
— Asim (@tobeasim) August 27, 2024
Let’s not forget Watters’ follow-up on Trump’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he called it “politically brilliant” for Trump to smile and give a thumbs-up. Smiling at the graves of fallen soldiers isn’t something to brag about. Watters’ comments—and the reactions they got—show the toxic culture at Fox News. When even Jeanine Pirro says you’ve gone too far, it might be time to rethink your career or at least keep offensive remarks to yourself.
Featured image via Screengrab
