In a bold move, comedian Rosie O’Donnell publicly rejected an interview request from Fox News host Jesse Watters. The incident, captured on a widely shared TikTok video posted on August 6, 2026, highlighted O’Donnell’s disdain for Watters and his network.
O’Donnell was getting her hair done when she delivered a blunt message to Watters: Leave her alone. The outspoken comedian said that Watters’s production team had approached her outside the New York theater where she was performing her autobiographical show, Common Knowledge.
O’Donnell’s Public Rejection of Watters
In the video, O’Donnell stated, “So here’s what I want to say to Jesse Watters and his gang of unruly reporter yellers at the theater today. No, I don’t want to speak or answer a question from Jesse Watters.”
A Fox crew waited for her to get out of her car, then rushed toward her shouting that Watters wanted to talk. O’Donnell made it clear that she had no interest in engaging with Watters or Fox News, stating, “I’ve never watched Jesse Watters, and I don’t ever care to. I’ve read enough about what he said about women and who he is.”
Watters’ Controversial Remarks
Watters, known for his provocative commentary, has faced intense blowback for his remarks about women and LGBTQ+ people. In July 2026, The Advocate reported that Watters laughed while warning women to “be careful” around troops who might take testosterone under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proposed initiative, suggesting the men would become “wild animals.”
Last year, Watters dismissed concerns about Andry Hernandez Romero, an innocent gay Venezuelan asylum seeker imprisoned in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT torture prison. “Come on. It’s just a gay barber,” he said. He has also called LGBTQ+ people “nuts” for buying guns amid fears of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
O’Donnell’s Response
O’Donnell’s video resurfaced as she began a four-night stint as guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week. Returning to an American talk show desk after moving to Ireland following President Donald Trump’s reelection, she immediately revived their nearly 20-year feud.
O’Donnell called Trump “Mango Mussolini,” warned viewers to “buckle up,” and stared into the camera. “Hi,” she told the president. “I know you’re watching.”
In her video, O’Donnell said that Watters could contact her publicist if he wanted an interview. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said. “I just have no interest in you in any capacity.”
Watters’ Political Commentary
On August 18, 2026, Watters appeared on Fox News, discussing various political topics. He commented on the state of the Democratic Party and the ongoing tensions with Iran. Watters stated that Trump had “won the war” but had not “won the peace,” highlighting the complexities of the political landscape.
Watters also addressed the Florida primary elections, noting that Florida was “ground zero” in the battle for the soul of the Democratic Party. He discussed the implications of the elections and the shifting dynamics within the party.
As the public continues to react to O’Donnell’s rejection of Watters, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between media personalities and their critics. O’Donnell’s bold stand against Watters highlights her willingness to speak out against those she perceives as disrespectful or harmful to marginalized communities.
