Fox News host Jesse Watters has sparked controversy after making a questionable remark on The Five, where he described doing a “deep dive” into the past relationships of tech mogul Elon Musk. The 46-year-old political commentator and co-host of the show, known for his often provocative commentary, defended Musk’s dating history, stating that the billionaire has had no trouble attracting women. His comments, which were made during a segment discussing comedian Bill Burr’s take on Musk and his relationships, have ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from both within the media and social media platforms.

The Controversial Comment: “A Deep Dive” on Musk’s Girlfriends

During a light-hearted segment where Watters was attempting to dissect Bill Burr’s comedy bit, the conversation shifted to Musk’s past relationships. Watters, in a somewhat off-hand manner, stated that he had done a “deep dive” into Musk’s past girlfriends. He described them as “very pretty,” “thin,” with “nice faces.” Watters went on to say that Musk had no issues getting women, even as a young man.

“Now, I went and did a deep dive on the girls they were getting. Musk’s girlfriend in college was very pretty. She was thin and had a nice face and was very pretty,” Watters said, drawing laughter from his co-hosts. He continued to assert that Musk had no issues attracting partners, recounting that Musk later married and had children with one of his girlfriends.

The Backlash: Criticism of Watters’ Comments

The comments, which many viewed as dismissive and objectifying, quickly sparked outrage across social media. Viewers and critics alike took issue with Watters’ casual reference to women based solely on their physical appearance, and his attempt to diminish the complexity of Musk’s relationships into superficial judgments.

“Jesse Watters just did a ‘deep dive’ into Elon Musk’s relationships and it’s as problematic as it sounds,” one user tweeted. “Focusing on ‘pretty’ and ‘thin’ women is outdated and objectifying. Is this really the type of discussion Fox News wants to promote?”

Others also criticized Watters for making light of Musk’s relationships, framing it as nothing more than a trivial discussion about the billionaire’s dating history. “There are so many more important issues to talk about. Why are we discussing Musk’s dating life like it’s some form of entertainment?” another user posted.

Watters’ Defense: A Joke Gone Wrong?

While Watters faced a firestorm of criticism, he doubled down on his comment, claiming it was simply a joke and not to be taken seriously. “I was just having a little fun with it,” Watters said, further attempting to downplay the backlash. His defense, however, didn’t quell the criticisms that followed, with many arguing that a host with his platform should be more mindful of the language used, especially when discussing influential figures like Musk.

“I don’t think people are upset with me for making fun of Elon Musk,” Watters explained. “What they’re upset about is the broader issue of what we say about people and how that impacts perceptions. But that’s what makes this fun, isn’t it?”

Despite his defense, Watters’ comments have left a sour taste for some viewers, prompting a deeper conversation about the role of media personalities in shaping narratives and discussing personal lives in a respectful manner.

Bill Burr’s Role in the Conversation: A Shared Critique of ‘Tech Nerds’

The comments made by Watters were in response to Bill Burr’s bit on The View, where the comedian joked about Musk and other tech moguls being socially awkward and relying on technology to connect with women. Burr’s playful criticism of “nerds” not knowing how to talk to “hot women” struck a similar chord to Watters’ own remark, though it was framed more clearly as a comedic observation.

Burr’s segment, which was intended to highlight the rise of technology-driven solutions for those who struggle in traditional social environments, opened the door for the ensuing discussion between Watters and his co-hosts. In addition to Musk, Burr humorously alluded to other tech moguls, likening their ambitions to create robots and artificial intelligence to attempts to overcompensate for their lack of traditional social skills.

Watters seemed to pick up on Burr’s sentiment, but his contribution, which veered into a commentary about Musk’s attractiveness and romantic life, detracted from the broader conversation Burr had initiated about tech culture and human connections.

The Cultural Conversation: Gender, Power, and Media Influence

Watters’ comments have also led to discussions about the broader implications of objectifying individuals in the media, particularly women. Many critics noted how the emphasis on physical appearance in his “deep dive” into Musk’s relationships only perpetuated a culture where the value of women is reduced to their looks.

In an era where the conversation around gender equality, body positivity, and respect is more prevalent than ever, such comments—particularly from someone in a position of influence—are viewed by some as problematic. The scrutiny surrounding Watters’ remarks highlights the need for greater accountability among media personalities when discussing individuals, particularly women, in the public eye.

As more discussions around objectification and the representation of women in media continue to emerge, Watters’ comments seem to exemplify the type of casual sexism that remains ingrained in certain corners of public discourse. The challenge moving forward will be whether media outlets like Fox News will acknowledge these concerns and work to create a more respectful and inclusive environment for discussions on all subjects.

The Future of Media and Public Discourse

The incident has raised important questions about the role of media figures in influencing public perceptions of celebrities and public figures, particularly when it comes to gender and appearance. The backlash Watters faced also illustrates the power of social media in holding public personalities accountable for their words and actions.

As society continues to evolve, the way media personalities address sensitive topics will play a significant role in shaping future discussions about gender, power, and respect. While humor has its place, as Watters tried to convey, it’s important to strike a balance between satire and responsibility, ensuring that jokes don’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes or reinforce negative perceptions.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Responsible Media Commentary

While Greg Gutfeld’s remarks about Elon Musk’s relationships and Watters’ follow-up may have been intended as jokes, they offer a stark reminder of the impact that media figures can have on shaping conversations about important issues. The controversy sparked by Watters’ comments underscores the need for thoughtful discourse and a commitment to ensuring that all individuals, especially women, are treated with respect both on-screen and off.

As the media landscape continues to grapple with issues of representation, accountability, and fairness, this incident serves as an opportunity for growth in how we engage with public figures in an era of heightened scrutiny. For now, Jesse Watters’ comments remain a cautionary tale for how casual remarks can quickly spiral into larger, more complex debates about power, influence, and responsibility in the media.