Fox News Host Jesse Watters Claims Amish “Don’t Exist,” Sparks Outcry

Jesse Watters, a host on Fox News’ *The Five*, sparked controversy when he claimed during a September 7 episode that the Amish “don’t exist.” The remark came during a segment where hosts answered fan-submitted questions about childhood beliefs they were embarrassed to admit. Watters confessed he was embarrassed to have once believed the Amish were real, stating, “I believed in the Amish. And then I realized they didn’t exist.” His co-hosts, including Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld, appeared visibly surprised by the claim.

Watters elaborated, saying he had grown up in Philadelphia believing the Amish were real people who lived without electricity and avoided modern technology. He later retracted that belief, insisting there is “no such thing as the Amish.” While co-host Jessica Tarlov responded with a sarcastic “That is 100 percent true,” Watters maintained his stance, prompting further confusion among the panel.

The segment drew immediate backlash from viewers, many of whom criticized Watters for what they deemed an ignorant and offensive statement. Comments on social media included accusations that his remark was “stupid” and “not funny,” with some expressing frustration over the perceived lack of basic knowledge about religious groups. Others lamented the popularity of such content, calling it a “waste” of time.

Despite the uproar, Watters’ co-host Greg Gutfeld attempted to find humor in the situation, joking that the Amish would not respond to the remark since they “will not be writing in.” However, the audience’s reaction suggested the joke fell flat. The incident highlights the growing sensitivity around misrepresentations of religious communities, particularly those with distinct cultural identities.

Watters’ comments also come amid a broader context of public discourse on religious beliefs and misinformation. The episode underscores the importance of accurate representation and the potential consequences of spreading false narratives about religious groups. While the Amish community has not publicly responded to the remark, the incident has reignited conversations about the responsibility of public figures to engage with religious and cultural topics with care and accuracy.

The episode serves as a reminder of the need for thoughtful dialogue, especially when discussing communities that often face stereotypes or misunderstandings. As the Amish continue to navigate their place in modern society, incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech with respect for diverse beliefs.

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