Fox News Fans Slam Jesse Watters as “Useless Baboon” After Heated Clash with Jessica Tarlov

A fiery exchange on Fox News’ The Five has once again thrust co-host Jesse Watters into the spotlight, with viewers labeling him a “useless baboon” following a contentious debate with Democratic co-star Jessica Tarlov. The clash, which aired on Tuesday evening, saw the panel—consisting of Watters, Tarlov, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Emily Compagno—diving into heated discussions on topics ranging from a recent brawl in Cincinnati to the Democratic Party’s political strategies for 2026. However, it was Watters’ bold claims and an off-camera remark, later leaked, that ignited a firestorm of backlash from fans and critics alike.

The tension erupted when the conversation turned to the Democratic Party’s claim of having a “bucketload of new talent” ready for the 2026 elections. Watters, a staunch MAGA supporter, dismissed the notion, prompting Gutfeld to challenge Tarlov: “Jessica, if this bucket exists, where are they hiding it?” Tarlov, visibly stunned, countered by naming Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as a rising star. Before she could elaborate, Watters interjected, mocking Beshear’s absence from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and questioning the memorability of the party’s showcased talent.

Tarlov fired back, listing Republican figures like Carrie Lake, Mark Robinson, and Doug Mastriano, sarcastically questioning the strength of the GOP’s “bench.” She also highlighted concerns about Ken Paxton’s electability in Texas compared to John Cornyn. Watters, undeterred, boasted about the Republican “starting five,” naming Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, J.D. Vance, and Kristi Noem. Tarlov insisted the Democrats had a comparable lineup, but Watters quipped, “You guys can’t even get into warm-ups,” a remark that drew sharp criticism online.

Viewers were quick to react, flooding social media with scathing comments about Watters’ performance. One fan remarked, “Omg, I lost 10 IQ points watching that. Jesse Watters has a great future as the next unqualified buffoon in Trump’s cabinet.” Another pointed out a numerical error in Watters’ list, stating, “That’s four people, you f——- idiot,” a sentiment echoed by others who mocked his math skills. Additional comments branded Watters a “clown” and his named GOP figures as “wholly unqualified or corrupt.”

The controversy escalated when an off-camera remark by Watters was leaked shortly after the segment aired. Though the exact content of the comment remains undisclosed in public reports, sources indicate it was inflammatory, further fueling the outrage. Fans and critics alike took to social media to express their disdain, with one user stating, “@FoxNews @JesseBWatters needs no help from Jessica to look stupid.” Another quipped, “Jesse can’t math just like the rest of MAGA,” highlighting the growing frustration with Watters’ on-air persona.

This incident is not the first time Watters has courted controversy on The Five. His outspoken style and unwavering support for Republican figures have frequently clashed with Tarlov’s measured, liberal perspective, creating must-watch television for the show’s audience. However, the leaked remark has amplified calls for accountability, with some viewers questioning Watters’ credibility as a commentator. The backlash underscores the polarized nature of political discourse on Fox News, where heated exchanges often spill over into public forums, amplifying viewer reactions.

As the dust settles, the incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes in political commentary, where off-the-cuff remarks—whether on-air or off-camera—can ignite widespread criticism. For Watters, the “useless baboon” moniker may stick, as fans continue to debate the qualifications and conduct of The Five‘s outspoken co-host. Whether this latest controversy will impact his role on the show remains to be seen, but for now, Watters remains a lightning rod for criticism in the ever-divisive world of cable news.