In a shocking escalation that’s plunged Fox News into chaos and sparked a potential civil war behind the scenes, Jesse Watters has issued a stunning ultimatum to network leadership: Fire liberal co-host Jessica Tarlov from The Five or he’ll walk away from the highest-rated cable news panel forever.
The primetime star, calling Tarlov an “embarrassment to this broadcast,” has drawn a hard line that’s left executives in a tailspin, insiders scrambling, and viewers debating whether this marks the end of an era for the powerhouse show. “The tension has finally exploded,” one source revealed. “Jesse’s done playing nice.”
The bombshell ultimatum reportedly came during a heated backstage showdown last week, as frustrations boiled over on the set of The Five—Fox’s undisputed ratings juggernaut.
Watters, a conservative firebrand whose sharp commentary has fueled the program’s dominance, allegedly confronted producers and executives directly: “It’s her or me.” Sources say he accused Tarlov—the panel’s lone liberal voice—of derailing discussions, injecting “biased interruptions,” and turning debates into “unwatchable shouting matches.”
Tarlov, a Democratic strategist who’s held the liberal seat since 2022 with quick-witted rebuttals that often go viral, has long clashed with Watters and Greg Gutfeld. But this demand crosses into unprecedented territory. “Jesse’s fed up,” the insider claimed. “He believes her presence hurts the show’s chemistry and ratings potential.
He’s ready to quit if she’s not gone.”
The fallout has been immediate and intense. Network brass are reportedly in crisis mode, weighing Watters’ star power—he hosts the top-rated Jesse Watters Primetime—against the value of panel “balance” that draws diverse viewers. “The Five* is Fox’s crown jewel,” another source said. “Losing Jesse would be catastrophic.
But firing Jessica risks backlash from moderates and accusations of echo chamber.”
Leaked details paint a picture of escalating tension: Watters allegedly vented after recent episodes where Tarlov’s interruptions dominated airtime. “She’s not adding value—she’s sabotaging,” he reportedly fumed. The ultimatum came with a deadline: Resolve by new year or he walks.
Social media detonated overnight. #HerOrMe and #SaveTheFive trending worldwide, with fans splitting: MAGA voices cheering “Get rid of Tarlov—Jesse’s the star!” while others decried “bullying” and “intolerance.” Clips of past clashes resurfaced, amassing millions of views.
Fox issued a vague statement: “We value all voices on The Five and are committed to dynamic discussion.” No confirmation of the ultimatum, but insiders say meetings are ongoing.
Tarlov, reached for comment, remained professional: “I love my job and the team. We have great debates—that’s the show’s strength.” But sources say she’s “furious and hurt,” considering options.
The showdown threatens The Five‘s formula: conservative majority with liberal foil for sparks. Ratings soar on tension, but this could fracture it. “If Jesse leaves, the show changes forever,” an analyst warned. “If Tarlov goes, it’s accused of purging dissent.”
As 2026 looms, Fox’s decision could reshape cable news. Watters’ leverage is massive—his primetime show crushes competition. But Tarlov’s viral moments draw eyes too.
