In the fast-paced, often cutthroat world of cable news, where sharp wit and biting commentary reign supreme, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has long been a polarizing figure—loved by some, debated by others, but always unapologetically himself. Known for his satirical late-night show Gutfeld! and his role as a co-host on The Five, Gutfeld has built a career on humor and candor. But behind the on-air persona lies a story of profound kindness and human connection that has recently come to light, revealing a side of Gutfeld that few knew existed. The tale of how Gutfeld took a young orphaned man under his wing, secretly supported him for years, and was repaid with a breathtaking seaside villa is a testament to the power of compassion, gratitude, and the unspoken bonds that tie us together as a family—even when that family isn’t bound by blood.

The story begins over a decade ago, in the bustling streets of New York City, where Gutfeld first met Ethan Carter, a 19-year-old orphan who had aged out of the foster care system and was struggling to make ends meet. Ethan, who had lost both parents in a tragic car accident at the age of 10, had spent his teenage years bouncing between foster homes, never finding a permanent family to call his own. By the time he crossed paths with Gutfeld, he was working odd jobs—delivering newspapers, washing dishes, and occasionally sleeping on the streets when he couldn’t afford a place to stay. “I felt invisible,” Ethan later shared in a heartfelt interview on The Five. “I had dreams, but no one to believe in me—until Greg came along.”

Their meeting was serendipitous, the kind of chance encounter that seems scripted by fate. Gutfeld, then hosting the late-night show Red Eye, was grabbing a coffee at a small diner near the Fox News studios when he noticed Ethan sweeping the floor, his head down but his eyes filled with a quiet determination. Something about the young man struck a chord with Gutfeld, who struck up a conversation over a shared love of classic rock. “He had this spark, this resilience,” Gutfeld recalled on air, his voice softening. “I saw myself in him—a kid with big dreams but no one to give him a shot. I knew I had to do something.” Without hesitation, Gutfeld offered Ethan a job as his personal assistant, a role that would change both of their lives in ways neither could have imagined.

Ethan jumped at the opportunity, eager to prove himself. Over the next few years, he became an indispensable part of Gutfeld’s team, handling everything from scheduling to research with a dedication that earned him the nickname “the shadow” among the Gutfeld! crew—always there, always reliable, but never seeking the spotlight. What Ethan didn’t know, however, was that Gutfeld had been doing far more than just giving him a job. For nearly a decade, Gutfeld had been secretly paying for Ethan’s housing, covering the rent for a modest but cozy apartment in Brooklyn where Ethan could finally feel safe and secure. “I didn’t want him to worry about where he’d sleep at night,” Gutfeld later explained, his eyes glistening with emotion. “I wanted him to focus on building a life, not just surviving.”

Gutfeld’s act of kindness was a closely guarded secret, known only to a handful of trusted confidants, including his wife, Elena Moussa. He arranged the payments through a discreet trust fund, ensuring Ethan never suspected a thing. “I didn’t want him to feel like a charity case,” Gutfeld shared. “I wanted him to feel like he earned everything he had—because he did.” For years, Ethan believed his rent was covered by a mysterious scholarship program he’d applied for, a cover story Gutfeld had carefully crafted with the help of a friend at Fox News. The ruse worked seamlessly—until a clerical error at the property management company unraveled the truth.

It was a crisp autumn morning when Ethan received a letter from the management company, thanking him for his “sponsor’s” continued support and listing Gutfeld’s name as the payer. Confused and overwhelmed, Ethan confronted Gutfeld at the Fox News studios, his voice trembling as he held up the letter. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, tears streaming down his face. Gutfeld, caught off guard, tried to brush it off with his usual humor—“What, you thought apartments in Brooklyn were free?”—but the gravity of the moment quickly sank in. The two men sat down in Gutfeld’s office, and for the first time, Gutfeld opened up about his motivations, revealing how Ethan’s resilience had reminded him of his own struggles growing up in San Mateo, California, where he’d faced his own share of challenges before finding success.

The revelation marked a turning point in their relationship, deepening the bond between them into something akin to a father-son connection. Ethan, who had never known the stability of a family, began to see Gutfeld not just as a boss or mentor, but as the father figure he’d always longed for. “Greg gave me more than a home—he gave me hope,” Ethan said, his voice breaking. “He showed me what it means to be loved, to be seen.” Determined to repay Gutfeld’s kindness, Ethan spent the next few years saving every penny he could, taking on freelance gigs in addition to his assistant duties and even learning to invest with the help of a financial advisor friend at Fox News.

His efforts culminated in a gesture so grand it left Gutfeld speechless—a stunning seaside villa on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, a place Gutfeld had once mentioned in passing as his dream retirement spot. The villa, a breathtaking 5-bedroom retreat with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, a private infinity pool, and a lemon grove that filled the air with a citrusy scent, was Ethan’s way of saying thank you. He purchased the property using his savings and a small business loan, working with a real estate agent in Italy to ensure every detail was perfect. “I wanted Greg to have a place where he could escape, where he could find peace after all he’s given me,” Ethan explained, his voice filled with pride.

The handover of the villa was a moment of pure magic, orchestrated with the help of Gutfeld’s Gutfeld! co-panelists, Kat Timpf and Tyrus. During a live taping of the show, Ethan took the stage—a rare appearance for the usually behind-the-scenes assistant—and presented Gutfeld with a set of keys tied with a blue ribbon, the color of the Amalfi sea. “This is for you, Greg,” Ethan said, his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes. “You gave me a home when I had none, and now I want to give you one—a place to rest, to laugh, to make memories with your family.” The audience erupted in applause as Gutfeld, visibly stunned, stood up to embrace Ethan, his usual sarcasm replaced by a rare vulnerability. “I don’t know what to say,” Gutfeld admitted, his voice cracking. “This kid—he’s my family. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

The moment resonated deeply with Gutfeld’s Fox News colleagues, many of whom had witnessed the evolution of his relationship with Ethan over the years. Dana Perino, a co-host on The Five, was seen wiping away tears backstage, later sharing, “Greg has a heart of gold—he doesn’t just talk about making a difference; he lives it.” Kayleigh McEnany, who often appears on The Ingraham Angle, echoed the sentiment, noting, “Seeing Greg and Ethan together reminds us all what family really means—it’s not about blood; it’s about love.” Even Laura Ingraham, who lives near Gutfeld in McLean, Virginia, and recently adopted two more children herself, sent a heartfelt message, saying, “Greg’s story with Ethan shows us the beauty of second chances—I’m so proud to call him my friend.”

The villa has since become a sanctuary for Gutfeld, Elena, and their daughter Mira, born in December 2024. The family spent their first summer there, with Gutfeld sharing rare glimpses of their time on social media—photos of Mira splashing in the pool, Elena picking lemons from the grove, and Gutfeld himself napping on a hammock with their French Bulldog, Gus, curled up beside him. “This place—it’s more than a house,” Gutfeld said in a recent episode of Gutfeld!. “It’s a reminder of what matters most: the people we love, the lives we touch.”

Ethan, now 29, has continued to thrive, recently starting his own small production company with Gutfeld’s encouragement. He credits Gutfeld not just for the financial support, but for the belief in his potential that changed the trajectory of his life. “Greg didn’t just give me a roof over my head—he gave me a future,” Ethan shared. “I hope I’ve made him proud.” For Gutfeld, the villa is a symbol of a bond that transcends words—a bond built on trust, kindness, and the kind of love that turns strangers into family. In a world often divided by politics and opinions, their story is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of compassion.