Fox News host Jesse Watters is taking heat from some of his own viewers after a family photo appeared to undercut his explanation for why he has been missing from the network.
Watters, who regularly hosts “Jesse Watters Primetime” and appears on “The Five,” had told viewers he would be away “on assignment.”
But a post from his wife, Emma, suggested at least part of that time away included a family outing to a golf event.
Emma shared a photo Tuesday showing Watters with his wife, his twin daughters Sophie and Ellie from his first marriage, and the two children he shares with Emma, Jesse Jr. and Georgina.
She captioned the post “LIV,” appearing to indicate the family was attending the LIV Golf Invitational Series in Bedminster, New Jersey.
That was enough to set off frustrated viewers, some of whom accused Watters of being less than forthcoming about his absence.
“Jesse you always say your [sic] on a big assignment! Why can’t you just say your [sic] going on vacation with your family!” wrote one commenter.
Another said, “Jesse, you take more vacations than the Senate.”
“Jesse another night off Monday night????” another added.
“Ahhh now I know why your husband wasn’t at work! He said it was an assignment…” one fan wrote.
“Thought you said you were on assignment? Not that you lying is a surprise,” added another.
Another wrote, “Jesse just say you’re going on vacation instead of an assignment, it makes it look so stupid, either that or you think you’re fooling millions and you’re not.”
“This looks like yet another vacation and definitely not an assignment, but okay,” said another.
The backlash comes after some “The Five” viewers had already complained about Watters’ absence last week when Fox News senior foreign policy correspondent Gillian Turner filled in for him.
Turner quickly became the target of criticism from viewers who wanted Watters back in his usual seat.
“Gillian is a terrible substitute on this show! ! ! Why do you continue to let her? She does not do well on any show. Especially this one. Please listen to your viewers,” wrote one X user.
Another added, “Gillian awful Turner on The Five. Switching channel.”
“No one wants to see or hear Gillian Turner on The Five. She’s a liberal and is worse than Jessica (believe it or not) because she pretends she’s a moderate. She’s a pathetic phony,” said another commenter.
“Oh God! Gillian Turner @GillianHTurner is on @TheFive. Changing the channel,” another added.
Watters remains one of Fox News’ most recognizable conservative personalities, which may explain why his absence drew so much attention in the first place.
