Fox News’ “The Five”: The Scandals Behind America’s Most Controversial Hosts

In the world of cable news, few shows have generated as much buzz, debate, and controversy as Fox News’ “The Five.” Since its debut in 2011, the roundtable program has become a ratings juggernaut, blending politics, culture, and personality-driven drama. But behind the laughter, heated debates, and viral sound bites, the show’s five main hosts—Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, Jeanine Pirro, and Harold Ford Jr.—each bring their own baggage, secrets, and scandals to the table. Some have rocked the media landscape, others have left viewers stunned, and all have contributed to the show’s reputation as the wildest ride in American political television.

1. Greg Gutfeld: The Shock Jock of Fox News

Greg Gutfeld, the self-styled “king of late night” and resident provocateur, has never been one to shy away from controversy. But his penchant for pushing boundaries has landed him in hot water more than once. In 2010, while hosting “Red Eye,” Gutfeld sparked international outrage with a segment mocking the Canadian military, suggesting they would be better off focusing on “yoga classes” than combat. The comments drew a furious response from Canadian officials and military families, forcing Fox News to issue a rare apology.

But Gutfeld’s sharp tongue has also gotten him in trouble closer to home. His frequent jabs at fellow media personalities, politicians, and even his own co-hosts have led to on-air spats and off-air feuds. Rumors of behind-the-scenes blowups on “The Five” have circulated for years, with insiders claiming that Gutfeld’s irreverent style sometimes crosses the line from funny to offensive. Yet, it’s precisely this unpredictability that keeps viewers tuning in—wondering what he’ll say (or do) next.

2. Dana Perino: The White House Secrets

Dana Perino, the show’s calm and collected former White House Press Secretary, seems like the least likely candidate for scandal. But even Perino has faced her share of headline-grabbing moments. During her tenure under President George W. Bush, Perino was famously caught off guard during a press briefing when asked about the Cuban Missile Crisis—admitting she didn’t know what it was. The clip went viral, fueling criticism about her preparedness and historical knowledge.

In 2018, Perino found herself in the spotlight again when leaked emails revealed her candid, behind-the-scenes opinions about Fox News colleagues and political figures. While the emails were never fully published, rumors swirled about her frustrations with network management and certain co-hosts. The incident highlighted the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of cable news—and the reality that even the most composed personalities have their breaking points.

3. Jesse Watters: The Ambush King’s Private Life Exposed

Jesse Watters built his brand on “ambush journalism,” confronting unsuspecting targets with tough questions and a camera crew. But in 2017, it was Watters’ own private life that became tabloid fodder. Reports surfaced that Watters was divorcing his wife after an alleged affair with a 25-year-old Fox News associate producer. The scandal exploded across media outlets, with critics accusing Fox News of hypocrisy given its past sexual misconduct controversies.

Watters eventually married his former producer, but the affair—paired with his sometimes incendiary on-air comments—cemented his reputation as one of the network’s most controversial figures. Whether grilling politicians or making off-color jokes, Watters’ willingness to court controversy has made him a lightning rod for both praise and condemnation.

4. Jeanine Pirro: Legal Troubles and Suspension Drama

Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and prosecutor, is no stranger to controversy—on or off the bench. Pirro’s fiery rhetoric and partisan bombast have made her a favorite among conservative viewers, but they’ve also led to some of the show’s most dramatic moments. In 2019, Pirro was suspended by Fox News after making comments about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s hijab, suggesting it was “antithetical to the Constitution.” The remarks drew widespread backlash and calls for her firing.

But Pirro’s troubles go deeper. As a district attorney in Westchester County, Pirro’s career was marked by high-profile cases and accusations of misconduct. In the early 2000s, Pirro’s then-husband, Albert Pirro, was convicted of tax evasion and conspiracy, dragging her into a media circus. Jeanine Pirro herself was investigated for allegedly wiretapping her husband, though she was never charged. The scandals have only fueled her tough-as-nails persona, but they remain a shadow over her public image.

5. Harold Ford Jr.: From Capitol Hill to Scandal Sheets

Harold Ford Jr., the show’s Democratic voice and former Congressman, brings a veneer of bipartisanship to “The Five.” But Ford’s political career was not without its own share of controversy. In 2006, during his Senate campaign in Tennessee, Ford was the subject of a racially charged attack ad that made national headlines. While Ford was the victim in that instance, his own actions have sometimes drawn scrutiny.

In 2017, Ford was fired from Morgan Stanley after an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct. Ford denied any wrongdoing and later reached a settlement, but the incident followed him into his media career. Critics have questioned Fox’s decision to bring him on board, given the network’s past handling of workplace misconduct.

The Unscripted Drama of “The Five”

What makes “The Five” so compelling isn’t just the political fireworks—it’s the real-life drama simmering beneath the surface. Each host brings their own history, baggage, and secrets to the table, creating a combustible mix that keeps viewers guessing. Off-screen, rumors of power struggles, alliances, and feuds swirl constantly. On-screen, the tension sometimes boils over, with hosts clashing in ways that feel less like television and more like reality TV.

For Fox News, the scandals are a double-edged sword—fueling ratings while raising questions about the network’s culture and standards. For viewers, they’re a reminder that behind every smiling face on cable news is a story far more complicated than the headlines suggest.

Conclusion: Scandal, Suspense, and the Fox News Formula

In the end, “The Five” isn’t just a talk show—it’s a microcosm of American media in the 21st century: messy, unpredictable, and endlessly fascinating. The scandals of Gutfeld, Perino, Watters, Pirro, and Ford are more than tabloid fodder—they’re a window into the pressures and pitfalls of life in the media spotlight. As long as “The Five” keeps serving up controversy, viewers will keep tuning in—if only to see what happens next.