Fox News Defends Host Amid Controversy Over Remarks Directed at Dr. Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci has called for Fox News host Jesse Watters to be dismissed after the latter made controversial remarks about confronting Fauci with an “ambush” interview, during which he used the phrase “kill shot.” Watters, known for his aggressive interviewing style, addressed a group of young conservatives, urging them to question Fauci about his alleged involvement in research funding at a Wuhan lab, where the COVID-19 virus is thought to have originated.
Watters suggested that the interviewer should accuse Fauci of lying about the matter, followed by an intense questioning designed to leave Fauci “dead” politically. His exact words were: “Now you go in for the kill shot, the kill shot with an ambush, deadly, because he doesn’t see it coming.”
The remarks, which quickly went viral, were widely criticised, with some commentators speculating that Watters was inciting violence. Fauci, when asked about the comments on CNN, expressed his concern, stating, “What kind of craziness is there in society these days? That’s awful what he said. And he’s going to go, very likely, unaccountable.” He added that Watters should be fired immediately for his comments.
However, Fox News defended Watters, claiming his words had been “twisted completely out of context” and that he was simply using a metaphor to advocate for tough questioning. The network also downplayed the incident, despite the backlash over the inflammatory language.
Fauci has faced numerous threats and harassment in the past, especially as a prominent figure in the fight against COVID-19, and has even required security detail due to the nature of these attacks. The controversy comes amid ongoing criticism of Fauci from conservative figures and networks, including Fox News, with other hosts having compared him to notorious historical figures.
Despite the uproar, it remains unclear whether Watters will face any consequences for his remarks. Meanwhile, Fox News has not publicly addressed other controversial comparisons made by its hosts, including those from Tucker Carlson and Lara Logan.
