Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rebuffed a Fox News producer outside the Capitol after being invited to appear on Jesse Watters' show, saying the host had 'sexualized and harassed' her. The exchange, reshared by AOC on X on Jan. 7 and credited to Pablo Manriquez, refers to Watters' Oct. 7, 2025 comments that joked she wanted to 'sleep with' Stephen Miller. Watters has faced prior criticism for provocative on-air remarks, including controversial comments about the U.N. that drew condemnation. The clip has renewed debate over media conduct toward female politicians.
AOC Rebukes Fox Producer, Accuses Jesse Watters Of Sexualizing Her Over Stephen Miller Remarks
Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty; Shannon Finney/GettyAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Jesse Watters
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly rebuked a Fox News producer outside the U.S. Capitol after being invited to appear on Jesse Watters' program, saying the host had "sexualized and harassed" her on air.
The brief clip, credited to reporter Pablo Manriquez and reshared by Ocasio-Cortez on her X account on Jan. 7, shows the congresswoman standing on a sidewalk near the Capitol when a man identified as a Fox producer asks, "Jesse Watters would like to invite you on his show." AOC replies, "He has sexualized and harassed me on his show." When the producer disputed the claim, saying, "That's not true," she pressed the point and cited an Oct. 7, 2025 segment of The Five in which Watters joked that she 'wanted to sleep with' White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
Joe Raedle/GettyWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks during the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk Sept. 21, 2025
What Was Said
On the Oct. 7 episode of The Five, Watters responded to AOC's criticisms of Miller by quipping that she wanted to 'sleep with' him and calling Miller a 'high-value man.' In a lengthy monologue he praised Miller's influence and mission and contrasted him with Democratic figures AOC reportedly values. Watters closed the remark by joking he had offered a 'dating recommendation.'
Watters: 'I think AOC wants to sleep with Miller. It's so obvious, and I'm sorry, you can't have him.' (Oct. 7, 2025)
Context And Past Controversies
Watters has faced criticism before for provocative on-air comments. In September 2025, following a technical mishap at the U.N. during President Donald Trump's speech, Watters suggested drastic actions including violence toward the U.N. building, remarks that prompted public condemnation. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described such language as unacceptable and said Watters privately apologized to U.N. communications chief Melissa Fleming. Media outlets later reported that the escalator incident was due to a cameraman's misstep and that the White House controlled the teleprompter.
Roy Rochlin/Getty ImagesFox News host Jesse Watters hosting his program, 'Jesse Watters Primetime,' on July 17, 2023
After AOC's exchange with the producer was reposted online, it circulated widely and reignited debate about how female politicians are treated on cable news and the boundaries of commentary. PEOPLE has reached out to Fox News for comment.
Why It Matters
The encounter highlights ongoing tensions between elected officials and partisan cable programming, especially around the tone and limits of commentary directed at public figures. AOC's public rejection of the invitation underscores how on-air remarks can affect newsmakers' willingness to engage with certain media platforms.
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