UPDATE: Fox News host Jesse Watters has ignited controversy after referring to colleague Maria Bartiromo with the demeaning nickname “Money Honey” during a live segment on The Five earlier today. Watters’ remarks, made while discussing their past at the New York Stock Exchange, have drawn immediate backlash for their insensitivity.
In a segment aired on October 9, 2023, Watters recounted his early days as an intern, stating, “Maria Bartiromo was there and everybody called her ‘Money Honey.’ Isn’t that great?” He went on to say, “I actually work with Money Honey. And I’ve been working with Money Honey for all these years.” While Watters intended to be playful, the nickname holds a history of objectification and has reportedly upset Bartiromo, who has publicly downplayed her feelings about it but privately expressed discomfort.
Co-host Lisa Kennedy hinted at Bartiromo’s displeasure, recalling a previous interaction where she introduced Bartiromo to Watters, leading him to use the nickname. “Does she not like that name?” Watters asked, to which co-host Greg Gutfeld replied, “Not at all.” This exchange has raised eyebrows and generated discussions on workplace respect and professionalism, especially among prominent media figures.
Bartiromo, a pioneering financial reporter, joined Fox Business in 2014 and has hosted “Mornings with Maria.” The nickname “Money Honey” was coined during her tenure at CNBC, where she faced scrutiny for being labeled based on her appearance rather than her journalistic skills. As this incident unfolds, it highlights the ongoing conversation about gender equity in media and the importance of respecting professional identities.
The incident comes during a time of heightened scrutiny in the media landscape, where remarks that might have once been seen as harmless are now critically examined. Watters attempted to brush off the backlash, claiming, “We can say it—Trump is in office!” This comment only adds fuel to the fire, suggesting a disregard for the impact of such language.
As the situation develops, viewers are left questioning how such comments will affect Bartiromo’s standing within the network and the broader implications for workplace culture at Fox News. The network has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as this story continues to evolve. How will Fox News address the growing outcry over Watters’ comments, and what steps might they take to ensure a respectful workplace environment? These are questions that remain unanswered as the fallout continues.