An unbelievable moment occurred live on Fox News when famous host Jesse Watters made a remark that exploded the studio audience into laughter—but left TV viewers frozen in shock. On the April 7 episode of The Five, Watters declared: “When you sit in front of a screen all day, it turns you into a woman. Studies have proven this!”—a statement so controversial it was immediately mocked by his own colleagues.

A Controversial Remark and Instant Backlash from Colleagues

Jesse Watters smirked his way to the top. Fox needs him to stay there. -  The Washington Post

Discussing former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the so-called “masculinity crisis,” Watters uttered his astonishing statement. The chyron on-screen read: “TRUMP’S ‘MANLY’ TARIFFS: PUNDIT BELIEVES IT COULD REVERSE ‘CRISIS IN MASCULINITY’ – THE FIVE,” ironically underscoring Watters’ bizarre claim. Immediately after Watters finished speaking, Jeanine Pirro, unable to contain her laughter, sharply retorted with biting sarcasm: “What about you, Jesse? You sit in front of a screen all day too!”

Jesse Watters tries to shrug off backlash after he said generals would  'have their way' with Harris

Pirro’s laughter, joined by other co-hosts, resonated throughout the studio—but behind their amusement was clear ridicule. Watters, as a TV host, indeed spends his day in front of screens and regularly applies makeup before going on air—a detail he seemingly forgot when delivering his now-infamous comment. This moment quickly became the focal point—but not in the way Watters had intended.

Viewers Stunned, Social Media Explodes

Fox News taps Jesse Watters to replace Tucker Carlson in prime time shuffle  after ratings plunge | CNN Business

While Watters’ colleagues laughed uncontrollably, viewers watching at home had a completely different reaction. Social media platform X exploded with mockery and anger directed toward Watters’ absurd claim. A post by user @SpencerHakimian quickly went viral, featuring Watters’ image on set with the caption: “Said by a TV host who sits in front of screens all day—and wears makeup.” Thousands engaged with the post, leaving sarcastic comments like: “Is Jesse turning into Jessica?” and “If that’s true, he transitioned long ago!”

User @Lucan_Mor bluntly labeled Watters a “fool,” while @talon1076550 joked: “Guess gender transition just got easier—no surgery needed anymore!” The social media storm demonstrated how Watters’ statement was not only shocking but widely viewed as absurd and scientifically baseless.

The Blatant Contradiction Behind Watters’ Statement

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What made Watters’ comment the height of irony was his profession. As a Fox News host, Watters spends most of his time working directly in front of screens—from filming and presenting to interacting with viewers digitally. Additionally, his daily makeup routine, standard practice in television, made his statement even more laughable. This glaring contradiction led colleagues like Jeanine Pirro to burst into laughter, while viewers at home were left speechless, unable to believe Watters himself failed to recognize the irony.

Scientifically Grounded or Just a Tasteless Joke?

Watters claimed that “studies have proven” sitting in front of screens feminizes men, yet he provided no evidence or sources. In reality, research on screen time—such as reports from PMC—has yielded complex findings. While some studies suggest excessive screen time negatively impacts children’s and adolescents’ mental health, there is zero evidence supporting Watters’ assertion that screens somehow “turn men into women.” Indeed, some research has even found benefits from screen usage, including enhanced online communication skills.

Clearly, Watters’ comment lacked any scientific backing and appeared more like a desperate attempt at attention or reinforcing conservative gender-role views. This effort backfired dramatically, turning him into a laughingstock both among colleagues and viewers.

Jesse Watters’ History of Controversial Comments

This isn’t the first time Jesse Watters has sparked controversy with comments on gender and masculinity. In March 2025, he famously listed “rules for men,” including “not eating soup in public,” “never crossing your legs,” and avoiding straws because “your lips look too feminine.” Watters also previously suggested that men voting for women are “transitioning into women,” and that Kamala Harris supporters have “mommy issues.” Each of these remarks has been mocked by the public, but his latest screen-related statement has elevated criticism to new heights.

The Broader Meaning of This Incident

Watters’ statement wasn’t merely an embarrassing TV moment—it reflects a concerning trend in certain conservative media: using outdated gender stereotypes for sensational attention. However, in this case, it spectacularly backfired, turning Watters into a figure of ridicule. The laughter of his colleagues and viewers’ stunned reactions highlighted the massive gap between Watters’ intentions and how his remarks were actually received by the public.

Conclusion: A Statement for the Ages—But Not in a Good Way

Fox News' Jesse Watters debuts at 8 p.m., Tucker Carlson's old slot : NPR

Jesse Watters’ comment on Fox News on April 7, 2025, will undoubtedly be remembered—but not for its insight or wit, rather for its sheer absurdity and irony. While Jeanine Pirro and other colleagues couldn’t help laughing at the ridiculousness of Watters’ claim, social media viewers mocked him mercilessly with memes and sarcastic comments. The question now is: Will Watters learn from this humiliating experience, or will he continue making similarly infamous remarks in the future? Only time will tell!