A heated political discussion on Fox News’ The Five took an unexpected turn Friday when co-host Jessica Tarlov ended her participation in a tense exchange over race and voting, declaring, “I’m out. I am racially out.”
The confrontation began during a broader discussion about threats against public officials and political violence.
Tarlov referenced the killing of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, arguing that political violence has affected leaders across the political spectrum.
Jesse Watters responded by minimizing the public recognition of the case, saying, “No one knows who that is.”
The conversation then shifted to past politically motivated attacks, with Tarlov referencing Cesar Sayoc, who pleaded guilty in 2019 to mailing explosive devices to prominent Democrats and other critics of President Donald Trump.
“The pipe bomber who said in court, ‘I was inspired by Donald Trump,'” Tarlov said.
Watters replied by asking, “Which pipe bomber? The Black guy?” before referring to another criminal case involving Brian Cole Jr.
The discussion escalated from there.
#TheFive – Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld teach Jessica Tarlov a history lesson about crimes against Trump and Melissa Hortman: “Work harder” pic.twitter.com/cMc6QmvDaI
— Diamond Joe (@ItsDiamondJoe) July 24, 2026
After Tarlov sarcastically responded, “Oh my God, ha ha ha, random Black guy!” she added, “You have no Black people, so I get it, on your side. Is that what you’re trying to say?”
Watters answered, “We have a few. We’re working on it.”
“Work harder,” Tarlov replied.
That’s when Greg Gutfeld interjected. “Ours are better than yours,” Gutfeld said with a laugh.
Tarlov immediately answered, “Not touching that.”
Watters then pivoted to election data, saying Republicans had increased their share of Black voters compared with previous elections. “We actually won more Blacks than we did last time,” he said. Tarlov disputed the significance of the gains before Watters added, “I’ll take it!”
The discussion ended moments later when Tarlov said, “I’m out! I am racially out.”
As the panel attempted to clarify who had said what, Tarlov stated, “He said, ‘We have better Blacks than you.'”
Watters replied, “No, I didn’t say that.” Gutfeld then acknowledged responsibility for the remark, saying, “I said that.”
Watters attempted to defuse the moment with a joke, saying, “You’re mixing up the white guys again, because we all look alike.”
The exchange quickly circulated online, drawing criticism from some commentators who argued the conversation crossed a line while others defended it as an example of the freewheeling, unscripted style that has long characterized The Five.
- Mediaite: ‘I’m Out!’ Jessica Tarlov Snaps After Fox News Co-Hosts Joke That GOP-Voting ‘Blacks’ Are ‘Better’ Than Dems
- Fox News: The Five (July 24, 2026 broadcast)
- The Hill: Coverage of political media and cable news reactions (related reporting)
- New York Post: Coverage of Fox News personalities and The Five (related reporting)
