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Jesse Watters Faces Backlash for Joking About Eric Swalwell Allegations on The Five

Viewers said the on-air joking minimized serious accusations.

Overview

  • Watters, during a Monday panel on Fox NewsThe Five, described one claim against Rep. Eric Swalwell in a joking tone and said it “has to be done in the moment of passion.”
  • Dana Perino cut in with “Never with an intern,” as the discussion unfolded with co-hosts Emily Compagno, Tom Shillue, and Harold Ford Jr. on set.
  • Clips of the exchange spread on X, where viewers called the comments “disgusting” and faulted Watters for fixating on timing instead of the alleged misconduct.
  • Critics resurfaced Watters’ past statement about letting the air out of his future wife’s car tires to secure a ride, using it to question his judgment on workplace conduct.
  • The segment followed at least four women accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct, after which he suspended his California governor bid on Sunday and said Monday he will resign from Congress ahead of an expulsion vote.