Fox News host Jesse Watters has ignited an international firestorm after making controversial remarks suggesting the United States should consider invading the Philippines in response to the country's travel restrictions.
The shocking comments came during a segment on Watters' prime-time show, where he reacted to the Philippines maintaining COVID-19 travel bans against unvaccinated Americans. "Maybe we should just invade the Philippines," Watters stated, adding, "We can do that, you know. We have a long history of that."
Immediate Backlash and Diplomatic Response
The Philippine government responded with swift condemnation, with officials labelling the remarks as "reckless" and "deeply offensive." The country's Department of Foreign Affairs summoned a US diplomat to formally protest the inflammatory comments, highlighting the serious diplomatic implications of such statements from a major media personality.
Historical context added fuel to the controversy, with many commentators noting the Philippines' complex colonial history with the United States, including the Philippine-American War that lasted from 1899 to 1902.
Fox News Forced into Damage Control
Facing mounting pressure, Fox News was compelled to issue a formal apology, distancing the network from Watters' comments. In a statement, the network clarified that the host's remarks were "insensitive" and did not reflect the network's editorial position or values.
"Mr Watters' comments were made in jest and were not intended to be taken seriously," the network stated, though the explanation did little to quell the growing outrage from both international observers and domestic critics.
Social Media Erupts in Protest
The controversy quickly spread across social media platforms, with #BoycottFoxNews and #WattersMustGo trending internationally. Filipino communities worldwide expressed outrage, while media watchdogs condemned what they described as "dangerous rhetoric" from a mainstream news personality.
Many users highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that while Watters suggested invasion over travel restrictions, the Philippines' policies were implemented as public health measures during the global pandemic.
Broader Implications for Media Responsibility
This incident has reignited debates about media responsibility and the boundaries of political commentary. Critics argue that such remarks from influential media figures can have real-world diplomatic consequences and contribute to the erosion of international relations.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time in US-Philippines relations, with both nations navigating complex geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Diplomatic experts suggest the incident could have lasting impacts on how American media is perceived internationally.
