AOC Accuses Host Jesse Watters of Sexual Harassment

Washington, D.C. — January 8, 2026

In a tense confrontation captured on video outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sharply rebuffed an invitation to appear on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime," accusing host Jesse Watters of sexually harassing her through on-air comments.

The exchange occurred when Fox News producer Johnny Belisario approached the congresswoman, extending an on-camera invitation from Watters. "Jesse Watters would like to invite you on his show," Belisario said. "Would you join him?"

Ocasio-Cortez responded forcefully: "He has sexualized me on his show. He has sexually harassed me on his show. He has engaged in horrific, sexually exploitative rhetoric.

"When Belisario protested, saying "That's not true, Congresswoman," Ocasio-Cortez countered: "It is true, because he accused me of wanting to quote-unquote sleep with Stephen Miller. So why don't you tell me what you think is acceptable to tell a woman?" She then walked away.

The accusation stems from an October segment on Fox News' "The Five," where Watters remarked that it was "obvious" Ocasio-Cortez "wants to sleep with" Stephen Miller, a senior Trump administration official and deputy chief of staff. The comment followed Ocasio-Cortez's social media jab at Miller's height, calling him a "clown" and alleging he is 4'10". Even Watters' co-host Greg Gutfeld described the remark as "pretty creepy" at the time.

Later Wednesday evening, Ocasio-Cortez doubled down on social media, posting: "You can either be a pervert or ask me to be on your little show. Not both. Good luck!"

Fox News has not issued an official response to the incident as of Thursday morning.The confrontation quickly went viral, sparking polarized reactions online. Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez praised her for calling out what they described as inappropriate rhetoric, while critics dismissed the claim as overreaction to satirical commentary, noting Watters' style often includes provocative humor directed at public figures across the political spectrum.

This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has clashed with Fox News personalities, who have frequently critiqued her policies and public persona. The 36-year-old progressive lawmaker has rarely appeared on the network since Watters' primetime show launched in 2022.The incident highlights ongoing tensions between progressive Democrats and conservative media outlets amid a polarized political landscape.