Behind-the-Scenes War Breaks Out at Fox News as Primetime Star Jesse Watters Trashes His Bosses as ‘Incompetent’ in Leaked Text Messages

Jesse Watters’ Leaked Texts Expose Internal Fox News Turmoil

Fox News has long been a dominant force in conservative media, but recent leaked text messages from one of its primetime stars, Jesse Watters, have unveiled a startling internal conflict within the network. These messages, which were never meant for public eyes, reveal Watters’ harsh criticisms of his superiors, labeling them as “incompetent” and “rudderless.” This behind-the-scenes war at Fox News comes amid a backdrop of legal battles and political upheaval, providing a rare glimpse into the tensions simmering beneath the polished on-air presentations.

The leaked texts emerged as part of the mounting evidence in the high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by voting technology company Smartmatic against Fox News. The lawsuit centers on the network’s controversial coverage of the 2020 presidential election, particularly claims that the election was “stolen” from Donald Trump due to alleged issues with Smartmatic’s technology. Among the thousands of pages of documents released, Watters’ candid messages to colleagues and friends stand out for their bluntness and insight into Fox News’ internal dynamics.

Watters’ Criticism of Fox News Leadership

In one particularly revealing exchange, Jesse Watters communicated directly with Megan Albano, Fox News’ Executive Vice President and then head producer of the popular show The Five. Watters expressed frustration with the network’s leadership, calling Fox News President Jay Wallace “rudderless.” He also disparaged other top executives, including Meade Cooper, Executive Vice President of Primetime Programming, and Kimberly Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of News Programming, branding them as “incompetent.” These comments suggest a deep dissatisfaction with the network’s direction and management style during a critical period following the 2020 election.

Watters, who has become a rising star since taking over the coveted primetime slot formerly held by Tucker Carlson, appears to be navigating a complicated relationship with Fox News insiders. Despite his growing popularity among viewers, his private remarks indicate he is not fully embraced by the network’s leadership or some of his colleagues.

Additional Revelations: Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene

The leaked documents also shed light on other Fox News personalities and political figures. For instance, an unidentified source informed Tucker Carlson on November 9, 2020, that Donald Trump should concede the election. Carlson reportedly agreed and criticized Trump in private messages, calling him a “total piece of s—” and emphasizing the need to act responsibly despite Trump’s behavior.

Moreover, the leaks reveal that Fox Business host Lou Dobbs communicated concerns about Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former MAGA favorite. Dobbs noted that Greene had been “black-balled” from appearing on the network due to her controversial statements. This occurred before Greene publicly distanced herself from Trump and his core supporters, highlighting the network’s internal struggles to manage its political alliances.

Watters vs. Gutfeld: Tensions Among Fox News Talent

Beyond executive criticisms, Jesse Watters’ relationships with fellow Fox News personalities have also been marked by tension. Conservative commentator Greg Gutfeld, who hosts the late-night show Gutfeld! and co-hosts The Five, openly mocked Watters in a recent episode. Gutfeld jokingly called Watters “an a——” and claimed he has “the most punchable face,” remarks that aired during the closing moments of his show.

Gutfeld reminisced about their early days working at Fox, recalling how he and others would “hate on” Watters while he was taping segments for The O’Reilly Factor. Even after working alongside Watters on The Five, Gutfeld admitted his opinion hadn’t changed, though he tempered his criticism with humor, saying, “But, I love that a——.”

Comedian Sherrod Small, a guest on Gutfeld’s show, quickly agreed with the assessment, adding to the lighthearted yet pointed nature of the exchange. This playful feud underscores the complicated dynamics among Fox News’ on-air talent, where camaraderie and rivalry often coexist.

The Impact of Internal Conflicts on Fox News’ Public Image

The exposure of these behind-the-scenes conflicts comes at a challenging time for Fox News. The network is grappling with legal challenges, shifting political landscapes, and internal power struggles that threaten to undermine its reputation. Jesse Watters’ leaked texts and public spats with colleagues like Greg Gutfeld highlight the pressures facing the network as it tries to maintain its position as a leading conservative media outlet.

For viewers and media analysts alike, these revelations provide a rare opportunity to understand the complexities of Fox News’ internal culture. The network’s ability to manage these conflicts while continuing to deliver content that resonates with its audience will be crucial in the months ahead.

Conclusion

The leaked text messages from Jesse Watters have peeled back the curtain on a brewing war within Fox News, revealing sharp criticisms of the network’s leadership and tense relationships among its stars. As Fox News navigates ongoing legal battles and political controversies, the internal discord exposed by these messages could have lasting implications for its future. Stay informed about the latest developments in this unfolding story and how it might impact the media landscape. For more in-depth coverage and expert analysis, subscribe to our newsletter and never miss an update.