FOX NEWS SHOCKER: Jesse Watters Calls for Jessica Tarlov’s Removal After Explosive Live TV Clash—The Battle That Left The Five in Turmoil
New York City, May 14, 2025 — In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the cable news world, Fox News host Jesse Watters is reportedly pushing for the removal of liberal co-host Jessica Tarlov following an emotionally charged confrontation on The Five, the network’s flagship panel show. What started as a typical political debate escalated into a fiery exchange that quickly turned toxic, leaving even the most seasoned viewers on the edge of their seats.
The altercation between Watters and Tarlov, which occurred during a segment discussing recent government surveillance revelations, was nothing short of explosive. Tarlov, visibly upset and emotional, accused Watters of “gaslighting the audience” and spreading “dangerous disinformation.” In what seemed to be a moment of unrestrained frustration, she exclaimed, “You’ve crossed a line. You undermine this show’s integrity every time you play the clown while serious issues are on the table.”
Watters, known for his brash style and quick wit, responded sharply, mocking Tarlov’s emotional outburst. “Oh, here we go again with the liberal meltdown,” Watters quipped. The insult only fueled the fire, and what followed was a clash of egos that seemed to push the boundaries of professional decorum.
Tarlov vs. Watters: The Tensions Escalate
The segment was supposed to be a straightforward discussion on the implications of government surveillance and the latest policy developments. But as soon as Tarlov made her accusation, the mood in the studio shifted. The studio lights seemed to dim slightly as the tension mounted between the two hosts. Tarlov’s voice was trembling, filled with a mix of frustration and indignation. “You’re undermining the integrity of this show every single time you dismiss real concerns with your sarcasm,” she continued, visibly struggling to maintain her composure. “This isn’t about winning points. This is about real-world issues affecting people’s lives.”
The audience, initially on the edge of their seats, fell into a stunned silence as the argument raged on. Watters, unphased by Tarlov’s emotional appeal, continued to mock her tone, dismissing her comments as just another attempt by liberals to derail the conversation. “You want to turn every discussion into an emotional tirade, don’t you?” Watters retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
By now, the rest of the panel—Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld—had stepped in, trying to play peacemakers and diffuse the situation, but their attempts to calm the waters were futile. The tension between Watters and Tarlov had grown so intense that the rest of the show seemed to pale in comparison.
Watters’ Ultimatum: Is Tarlov’s Time on The Five Coming to an End?
As the show wrapped up and the cameras stopped rolling, sources close to the production revealed that Watters was not finished with Tarlov’s behavior. According to insiders, Watters, visibly furious, stormed off set after the segment ended and had a private discussion with senior producers. During this conversation, he reportedly suggested that Tarlov be removed from The Five entirely, describing her behavior as “unprofessional” and “distracting.”
“He was done playing nice,” one insider claimed. “He told producers that the show is becoming unwatchable with her constant interruptions and grandstanding. He’s not going to continue this if it’s just going to be a shouting match every time they disagree.”
While Fox News has yet to release an official statement, it’s clear that the altercation has raised significant internal concerns about the future of The Five. The network has already been under pressure from right-wing media outlets, as well as emerging digital platforms, to sharpen its programming and maintain its ratings edge. The latest drama has only added fuel to the fire, leaving many wondering whether the chemistry between Watters and Tarlov has reached the point of no return.
The Public Fallout: Social Media Erupts
As expected, the aftermath of the on-air confrontation sparked a firestorm on social media. Clips of the exchange went viral within hours, with viewers flocking to Twitter (now X) to express their opinions. The hashtag #StandWithTarlov quickly gained traction, with liberals defending Tarlov’s impassioned stand against what they saw as Watters’ disrespectful behavior. “It’s disgraceful. Fox News is tolerating toxic masculinity on live TV,” one user tweeted.
On the other side, #RemoveTarlov and #TeamWatters also started trending, with conservatives rallying behind Watters and calling for Tarlov’s removal from the show. “Tarlov turns every debate into a tantrum. Watters is right, she’s a liability,” tweeted one supporter.
As the debate raged on, it became clear that The Five—a show already known for its fiery debates and political clashes—had hit a new level of volatility. The fallout wasn’t just limited to the viewers; even inside Fox News, there was a growing divide.
Ratings Pressure and Network Tensions
Sources within the network revealed that tensions between Watters and Tarlov had been brewing for months. The two have clashed off-camera on multiple occasions during editorial meetings, with Watters reportedly frustrated by Tarlov’s increasingly emotional and confrontational approach to discussions. “This wasn’t just a bad day,” a source close to the show explained. “This was the boiling point.”
With the rise of alternative right-wing media platforms gaining more traction, and an ever-growing number of conservative voices shifting toward digital spaces, Fox News has found itself under significant pressure to maintain both its viewership and relevance. The dynamics of The Five, long considered a key part of the network’s programming, may now be in jeopardy as the show grapples with internal conflicts and the future direction of its political discourse.
What Happens Next: Will Tarlov Stay or Go?
The big question now is whether Fox News will act on Watters’ private ultimatum. Will they choose to back Tarlov, a key liberal voice on the panel, or will they give in to the pressure from Watters and remove her from the show? Sources close to the network say that discussions are already underway, with some suggesting that a compromise may be reached—perhaps a shift in the format of The Five or even a new direction for the show’s contentious segments.
For now, the network finds itself at a crossroads. The internal pressure to resolve this clash is mounting, and with ratings potentially on the line, the future of The Five and its lineup could be in serious jeopardy. Whether this situation will lead to a reworking of the show’s chemistry or spark a dramatic shakeup remains to be seen.
The Bigger Picture: The Political Divide at Fox News
The confrontation between Watters and Tarlov is just the latest in a series of high-profile media battles that highlight the growing political divide within Fox News. As the network increasingly becomes a battleground for ideological warfare, the tension between its conservative and liberal voices has reached a boiling point.
Some political commentators are already calling for a rethinking of how Fox News handles its on-air personalities and the balance of voices on its flagship shows. “It’s clear that the dynamics on The Five need to be addressed,” said media analyst Dana Schultz. “The show has always thrived on controversy and debate, but this moment is something else entirely. It’s not just about political disagreement—it’s about personalities that can’t seem to coexist anymore.”
The Future of The Five and Fox News
As the dust settles on this explosive encounter, the question of how Fox News will move forward remains up in the air. Will The Five continue as the volatile, high-energy show it has become, or will the network pivot to a new direction in the wake of this very public clash? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain—this battle between Jesse Watters and Jessica Tarlov isn’t just a TV moment; it’s a symbol of the deep divides that are reshaping the way political discourse is conducted in America.
