Jesse Watters, the sharp-witted Fox News anchor known for his bold and controversial political commentary, is no stranger to the spotlight. From his quick rise in the media world to becoming a fixture in American homes, Watters’ career has been built on engaging political discussions, humorous takes on current affairs, and his no-holds-barred approach to reporting. However, a personal scandal in 2018 would dramatically shift the course of his life—both professionally and privately. Let’s dive into the affair that sent shockwaves through his personal life and left the public questioning the man behind the microphone.
The Rise of Jesse Watters: From College to Fox News
Before the scandal that would later define his personal life, Jesse Watters was on the rise as one of the leading political commentators at Fox News. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 9, 1978, Watters grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep interest in politics and history. This curiosity led him to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he earned a degree in history, setting the stage for his future career.
After joining Fox News in 2001, Watters initially worked behind the scenes, gaining valuable insights into the media industry. However, his big break came in 2004 when he first appeared on The O’Reilly Factor. His street-style segments, known as Watters’ World, quickly became popular, marking the beginning of his rise to fame. His ability to mix humor with sharp political commentary resonated with a broad audience, and soon he became one of the most prominent faces on the network.
A Family Man: Jesse’s Personal Life Before the Scandal
In 2009, Jesse Watters married his longtime girlfriend, Noelle, a woman who had stayed out of the public eye but supported his growing career. Together, they built a family, raising two children, a daughter in 2011 and a son in 2014. Jesse often spoke fondly about fatherhood, describing it as one of the most transformative experiences of his life.
However, despite his professional success and seemingly stable family life, things began to unravel behind the scenes.
The Affair That Shook His World
In 2018, rumors began circulating about Jesse’s relationship with Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News anchor. The media speculated that the two were involved, sparking public interest. However, it wasn’t Kimberly who would cause a public scandal—it was a different woman entirely: Emma DiGiovine, a younger producer from The Five.
In what can only be described as a public spectacle, Jesse admitted to his affair with Emma in 2018 after his wife, Noelle, filed for divorce. The revelation came as a huge shock to many, especially given Jesse’s polished image as a family man and respected commentator. The affair began while Jesse was still married, and despite his claims that it started only after he had separated from Noelle, the timing of the affair raised suspicions and fueled controversy.
The Media Firestorm: Divorce and Public Scrutiny
Once Noelle learned of the affair, she filed for divorce, ending a marriage that many believed to be stable. The media quickly picked up on the story, turning Jesse’s personal turmoil into a public spectacle. While Jesse was facing the consequences of his actions, the press scrutinized every aspect of his life. The news of his affair and subsequent divorce became a focal point for tabloids and news outlets, overshadowing his career for a time.
Despite the media storm surrounding his personal life, Jesse continued with his career at Fox News. He tried to navigate the negative press, maintaining his position on the network, but the affair and divorce were constant talking points in the public eye.
A Quick Rebound: Engagement and Marriage to Emma DiGiovine
Just months after his divorce was finalized, Jesse made headlines once again when he announced his engagement to Emma DiGiovine. The timing of their engagement—so soon after his highly publicized divorce—raised eyebrows and led to more media scrutiny. Many saw it as a rebound relationship, and the public quickly speculated on the dynamics of their whirlwind romance.
Despite the criticism, Jesse and Emma’s relationship progressed, and they married in December 2019. In 2021, they welcomed their first child together, a son. The birth of their son marked a new chapter in Jesse’s life, as becoming a father again, especially under such public circumstances, was an emotional experience for him.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward: Jesse’s New Life
In April 2023, Jesse and Emma welcomed their second child, a daughter. While Jesse’s career at Fox News continued to thrive, the affair and subsequent divorce had left a lasting mark on his public image. The scandal had overshadowed much of his career for a time, and his personal life became the subject of constant speculation.
However, over time, Jesse managed to rebuild his reputation. His career continued to grow, and his relationship with Emma appeared to stabilize. As a father and husband again, Jesse slowly reestablished himself in the public eye. His return to the airwaves, alongside his new family life, helped shift the public’s focus away from the scandal that had once consumed his personal life.
Jesse Watters’ story is a reminder of how the lives of public figures can be shaped by both their professional achievements and personal missteps. His affair, divorce, and subsequent marriage to Emma DiGiovine generated intense media attention, but over time, Jesse found a way to regain his footing. By focusing on his career and his new family, he managed to slowly repair his image and move forward from the scandal that once threatened to define him.
While the affair may have been a defining moment in his personal life, Jesse’s ability to adapt, move forward, and rebuild his life serves as a testament to his resilience. His career at Fox News remains strong, and he continues to be one of the most influential figures in political commentary today.