Fox News host Jesse Watters faced criticism for his Islamophobic remarks on Wednesday, expressing his frustration towards Arab Americans and Muslims. The ongoing violence in Gaza and calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to increased anti-Israel protests worldwide, with some demonstrators tearing down posters depicting hostages held by Hamas terrorists. The New York Times reported on this trend, highlighting how displaying these posters has become a form of activism, while their removal has emerged as a form of protest against the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Fox News’ show The Five featured this story as its top segment, with Watters delivering an angry tirade against Arab Americans and the Muslim world. He claimed that the West and Western technology have contributed to the Middle East’s wealth by extracting oil and protecting oil shipments. Watters expressed frustration with recent terror attacks that killed allies and held Jewish and American hostages, seemingly advocating for violence against Arab Americans who tear down posters of these hostages. He criticized The New York Times for commodifying suffering and agreed with a co-host’s argument that minorities are given a “free punch” in society. Watters concluded that this justification of violence and the breakdown of the rule of law are unacceptable, expressing his refusal to live in such a country. Harold Ford, Jr., the show’s liberal panelist, surprisingly did not disagree with Watters’ remarks.
“We’ve reached our limit” addressing Muslims and Arab-Americans
