In a bombshell that has left fans reeling, rumors are swirling that Fox News star Jesse Watters, host of Jesse Watters Primetime and co-host of The Five, is packing up his life and moving his entire family to Switzerland. The speculation, which erupted across social media platforms like X in July 2025, has sparked intense debate about whether the 46-year-old conservative commentator is bidding farewell to his high-profile career at Fox News. With his signature smirk and provocative style, Watters has been a polarizing figure in media, but this potential move has fans and critics alike asking: Is this the end of an era for one of Fox’s biggest names? 😱💬

The rumors began with a cryptic YouTube video titled “Jesse Watters SHOCKS Audiences As He Moves On From Fox News!” that claimed Watters was leaving the network to pursue a new venture on social media platforms, following in the footsteps of former colleague Tucker Carlson. While the video was later debunked as inauthentic, it ignited a firestorm of speculation about Watters’ future. Adding fuel to the fire, reports surfaced that Watters and his wife, Emma DiGiovine, were spotted in Switzerland, prompting questions about whether the family is relocating permanently. Fans are now clamoring for answers, with many taking to X to express shock, support, and skepticism. “Jesse Watters moving to Switzerland? No way he’s leaving Fox!” one user posted, while another wrote, “If this is true, it’s a game-changer. What’s next for Jesse? 👀” Let’s dive into the details of this jaw-dropping rumor, explore Watters’ career, and uncover what might be driving this unexpected twist.

The Rumor That Rocked the Internet

The speculation about Watters’ potential departure from Fox News and move to Switzerland first gained traction in early July 2025, when a YouTube channel called Clean Tech posted a video claiming Watters was leaving the network to “capture a new audience outside of traditional TV news” through YouTube and social media. The video, which garnered over 135,000 views in a single day, presented the news in a polished, breaking-news-style format, leading some fans to believe it was credible. It suggested Watters was following a path similar to Tucker Carlson, who launched his own streaming platform after parting ways with Fox News in April 2023. However, the claims were quickly debunked, with no official confirmation from Watters or Fox News. As The Direct reported, “The video that spurned these rumors up in the first place looks to be completely inauthentic.”

Despite the video’s lack of credibility, the rumor took on a life of its own when fans noticed Watters’ recent social media activity hinting at a European getaway. In late June 2025, Emma DiGiovine, Watters’ 32-year-old wife, posted Instagram stories from what appeared to be a picturesque Swiss village, sparking speculation that the couple was house-hunting or planning a major life change. The posts showed Emma, Jesse, and their two children—Jesse Jr., 4, and Georgina, 2—enjoying a serene alpine setting, with captions like “New adventures await! 🏔️💖.” While the posts didn’t explicitly mention a permanent move, they fueled theories that the Watters family was considering a fresh start abroad.

Adding to the intrigue, Watters was absent from The Five for several days in early July, with co-host Dana Perino filling in as host. Fans, already on edge from the YouTube rumor, began to wonder if Watters was quietly stepping away from Fox News. “Where’s Jesse? First Greg Gutfeld takes paternity leave, now Jesse’s MIA? Something’s up,” one X user posted. Another commented, “If Jesse Watters is moving to Switzerland, I’m done with Fox. He’s the only reason I watch!” The absence, though brief, amplified the narrative that Watters might be preparing for a dramatic exit.

Who Is Jesse Watters? A Fox News Titan

To understand why this rumor has caused such a stir, it’s worth revisiting Jesse Watters’ meteoric rise at Fox News. Born on July 9, 1978, in Philadelphia, Watters grew up in a liberal family—his mother, Anne Purvis, is a child psychologist with progressive leanings, and his father, Stephen Hapgood Watters, was a teacher. Despite his family’s political leanings, Watters carved out a career as a conservative firebrand, joining Fox News in 2002 as a production assistant. His big break came on The O’Reilly Factor, where his “Watters’ World” man-on-the-street interviews showcased his knack for blending humor with pointed political commentary. By 2015, Watters’ World became its own monthly show, and in 2017, it transitioned to a weekly program, cementing Watters’ status as a rising star.

In April 2017, Watters joined The Five as a co-host, bringing his irreverent style to the network’s highest-rated program. His solo show, Jesse Watters Primetime, launched in January 2022 and moved to the coveted 8 p.m. slot in July 2023, replacing Tucker Carlson after his abrupt departure. Known for his smirking delivery and provocative takes, Watters has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters admire his “straight talk” and ability to “own the libs,” while critics, like former Fox commentator Julie Roginsky, describe his humor as having a “mean streak” that often “punches down.” His controversial moments—like suggesting in 2024 that men who vote for Kamala Harris “transition into women” or advocating for confrontational tactics against Dr. Anthony Fauci—have kept him in the headlines, for better or worse.

Watters’ personal life has also been a source of public fascination. After a high-profile divorce from his first wife, Noelle Inguagiato, in 2018 following an affair with producer Emma DiGiovine, Watters married Emma in December 2019. The couple welcomed their son, Jesse Jr., in 2021, and daughter, Georgina, in 2023. In February 2025, they announced the addition of a cockerpoo puppy named Cocoa to their family, delighting fans with heartwarming Instagram posts. Despite his polarizing on-air persona, Watters’ family-oriented social media presence—often featuring Emma and their children—has endeared him to many viewers.

Why Switzerland? Theories and Speculation

The idea of Watters moving to Switzerland has sparked a range of theories about his motivations. Switzerland, known for its stunning landscapes, political neutrality, and high quality of life, is an appealing destination for those seeking a quieter existence. Some speculate that Watters, who has faced intense scrutiny for his controversial comments, might be looking to escape the polarized U.S. media landscape. In July 2024, Watters was sued for $787 million by California Governor Gavin Newsom over a misleading report about a phone call with President Trump. Watters issued a rare on-air apology, but Newsom’s response—“Discovery will be fun. See you in court, buddy”—suggested the legal battle was far from over. Could Switzerland offer Watters a reprieve from such controversies?

Another theory points to family priorities. Emma, a former fitness model and journalist, has emphasized the importance of family in her social media posts. In a June 2025 Instagram post celebrating her grandmother’s birthday, Emma wrote about the joy of four-generation family gatherings, hinting at a desire to create lasting memories for her children. Switzerland’s excellent schools, safe environment, and proximity to other European destinations might appeal to the couple as they plan for their young family’s future. “Jesse and Emma seem like they want the best for their kids,” one fan commented on X. “Switzerland makes sense if they’re thinking long-term.”

Financial considerations could also play a role. Watters’ net worth is estimated at $5 million, with an annual Fox News salary of $2 million, which could increase with his high-profile 8 p.m. slot. The couple’s recent purchase of a $2.8 million home in Bernardsville, New Jersey, in 2020 suggests they’re financially secure, but Switzerland’s favorable tax policies for high earners might be an added incentive. However, moving abroad would be a significant shift for a family rooted in the U.S., raising questions about whether this is a permanent relocation or a temporary retreat.

Is He Leaving Fox News?

The heart of the rumor—whether Watters is leaving Fox News—remains unconfirmed. Fox News has not issued a statement addressing the speculation, and Watters himself has been active on air, appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime as recently as July 24, 2025, discussing topics like the “Russiagate” scandal and the Democratic Party’s internal conflicts. His continued presence on the network, coupled with his multi-year contract signed in 2023, suggests he’s not going anywhere soon. “Fox News Channel has been America’s destination for news and analysis for more than 21 years, and we are thrilled to debut a new lineup,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said in 2023, highlighting Watters’ role alongside hosts like Greg Gutfeld and Sean Hannity.

However, the YouTube rumor tapped into a broader trend of Fox News personalities facing career transitions. Tucker Carlson’s exit in 2023 and Megyn Kelly’s departure in 2017 have made fans sensitive to the possibility of major shakeups. Watters’ own history of controversy—like his 2023 comments about Arab Americans that prompted White House condemnation—has led some to wonder if he’s tiring of the constant backlash. Yet, as The Washington Post noted, Fox executives have detected no significant pressure campaigns to cancel Watters’ show, and his ratings remain strong, suggesting he’s a valuable asset to the network.

On X, fans have mixed reactions. “Jesse Watters leaving Fox? No way, he’s their golden boy!” one user wrote. Another speculated, “Maybe he’s just taking a break in Switzerland to dodge the Newsom lawsuit drama.” Some pointed to Watters’ playful on-air persona, noting that he might be fueling the rumors for attention. “This is classic Jesse—trolling everyone with a smirk,” one X post read. Without concrete evidence, the Switzerland move and Fox News exit remain speculative, but the fervor shows Watters’ ability to command attention.

A Family in the Spotlight

The Watters family’s public image has played a significant role in shaping reactions to the rumor. Emma, who often shares glimpses of their life on Instagram, has become a fan favorite. Her February 2025 post introducing Cocoa the cockerpoo drew comments from Fox News colleagues like Dana Perino, who called the puppy “soooooo cute!” Emma’s stylish appearances—like her pink midi dress at a family celebration or her chic beachwear during a Miami vacation—have made her a social media star in her own right. Fans admire the couple’s chemistry, with one commenting, “Jesse and Emma are goals. If they’re moving to Switzerland, I bet it’s for their kids’ future.”

Watters’ children, including his twin daughters, Sophie and Ellie, from his first marriage, and his younger children with Emma, are often kept out of the spotlight, but their presence adds a relatable dimension to his persona. During a July 2025 episode of The Five, Watters shared a lighthearted anecdote about teaching Jesse Jr. to swim, prompting co-host Greg Gutfeld to joke, “You’re gonna need those skills in Switzerland’s lakes!” The comment, likely a playful jab, was seized upon by fans as evidence of the rumored move.

What’s Next for Jesse Watters?

As the dust settles on the Switzerland rumors, several possibilities emerge. The most likely scenario is that Watters and his family were simply vacationing in Europe, with no plans to relocate permanently or leave Fox News. His active presence on Jesse Watters Primetime and The Five, combined with Fox’s investment in his brand, suggests he remains committed to the network. However, the speculation highlights Watters’ ability to generate buzz, whether intentional or not. His history of controversial remarks and legal battles, like the Newsom lawsuit, may have fueled the narrative that he’s seeking an escape, but there’s no concrete evidence to support this.

Alternatively, Watters could be exploring new opportunities, such as expanding his digital presence on platforms like YouTube or X, as the debunked video suggested. Tucker Carlson’s success with his streaming platform has shown that conservative commentators can thrive outside traditional media, and Watters’ knack for viral moments—like his 2024 Kamala Harris comments that drew rebukes from co-hosts Jeanine Pirro and Dana Perino—makes him a natural fit for social media stardom. Still, leaving Fox News, where he commands a prime-time audience and a $2 million salary, seems unlikely without a clear plan.

A Polarizing Star’s Next Chapter

Whether the Switzerland rumors are true or not, they underscore Jesse Watters’ unique place in the media landscape. Loved by fans for his bold, unfiltered style and criticized by detractors for his provocative rhetoric, Watters has built a career on pushing boundaries. His personal life, from his high-profile marriage to Emma to his role as a father of four, adds a layer of relatability that keeps fans invested. The idea of him uprooting his family to Switzerland may be a stretch, but it’s a testament to his ability to spark conversation and keep audiences guessing.

For now, fans can catch Watters on Jesse Watters Primetime weeknights at 8 p.m. ET and The Five at 5 p.m. ET, where he continues to deliver his signature blend of humor and commentary. Whether he’s smirking through a monologue or stirring the pot with a hot take, one thing is certain: Jesse Watters knows how to keep the spotlight on him. As one X user put it, “Switzerland or not, Jesse’s not going anywhere—he’s too good at this game.” 😏💥