FOX NEWS CONTROVERSY: Jesse Watters’ Bizarre Comment About Marco Rubio Sparks Outrage

Jesse Watters was invited to speak before a group of executives. His remarks led to an 'epic meltdown' | CNN Business

Fox News host Jesse Watters found himself in hot water on Tuesday night after making a strikingly odd remark about Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the network’s flagship show, The Five.

While discussing the members of President Donald Trump’s “crew of guys,” Watters described Rubio, 54, as being:

“Like your Mexican friend that works a lot, but is really funny.”

The comment quickly drew attention — and criticism — as Rubio is not Mexican. The Florida-born senator is the son of Cuban immigrants who fled to the U.S. in the 1950s, a detail that makes Watters’ characterization both inaccurate and insensitive.

The “Crew” Analogy

Watters was attempting to break down Trump’s Cabinet by likening them to stereotypical archetypes in a playful, off-the-cuff fashion. According to the Fox host, each member of the administration fills a distinct role within the so-called “crew of guys” surrounding the former president.

Watters’ bizarre comparison of Rubio, however, seemed to go beyond a simple joke. Many critics on social media highlighted the cultural inaccuracy, noting that Rubio’s Cuban heritage and immigrant family history make the analogy not just misleading but potentially offensive.

What Inspired the Remark?

Controversial co-host gets a daily program on Fox News - Los Angeles Times

The peculiar comment was reportedly inspired by a story involving would-be Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Following the 2024 election, Kennedy allegedly had to eat a Big Mac aboard Trump’s private aircraft, a meal he later described as “poison.”

Watters seemed to use this anecdote to illustrate the quirky, sometimes chaotic inner workings of Trump’s post-election circle, but in doing so, he stumbled into a racially and culturally insensitive description of a prominent U.S. senator.

Rubio Responds?

As of Wednesday morning, Rubio has not publicly responded to Watters’ comment. However, political analysts note that such mischaracterizations can quickly escalate in today’s social media environment, especially when a high-profile Fox News host makes the remark on a prime-time show.

Social Media Backlash

The clip of Watters’ comment immediately went viral online, with Twitter users, political commentators, and Latino advocacy groups condemning the inaccuracy. Some pointed out that the joke perpetuates a common stereotype about Latino people, conflating Mexican and Cuban identities.

“It’s 2025, and people still think all Latinos are interchangeable. Marco Rubio is Cuban, not Mexican — get it right,” one Twitter user wrote.

Others were less concerned with nationality and more focused on the awkwardness of the analogy itself, with many questioning how a joke comparing a U.S. senator to a “friend who works a lot but is really funny” made it on air.

Fox News Stands By Watters

Fox News has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the comment. The network has historically defended its personalities’ on-air humor as satirical commentary, though such remarks often spark temporary controversy.

“The Five” co-hosts did not address the remark during the Tuesday episode, instead continuing with the show’s usual mix of politics, humor, and commentary.

Analysts Weigh In

Media analysts suggest that Watters’ comment reflects the informal, sometimes careless style of commentary that has become Fox News’ signature, particularly during prime-time segments.

“Watters is known for off-the-cuff analogies, but this one crossed a line,” said one political media expert. “It’s a mix of humor, stereotyping, and just plain factual inaccuracy.”

Some also warned that such gaffes could have real political consequences, especially when discussing figures like Rubio, whose Latino heritage is central to his political identity.

The Takeaway

While Watters likely intended the comment as light-hearted humor, it has instead highlighted ongoing issues around media representation and sensitivity when referring to politicians from diverse backgrounds.

Whether this incident will prompt an apology, clarification, or a new round of headlines remains to be seen — but for now, the remark has already ignited a storm of criticism online, reinforcing the delicate balance media personalities must navigate between humor and respect.

Watch the full clip from Tuesday night’s episode of The Five to see Jesse Watters’ unusual description of Marco Rubio.