'I'm out': Jessica Tarlov fumes after Fox News co-hosts call GOP Black voters 'better' than Dems

The debate began after Jessica Tarlov cited the killing of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband while discussing political violence
A discussion on Fox News' 'The Five' about political violence escalated into a heated argument over race, prompting host Jessica Tarlov to declare, 'I'm out' (Rick Kern/Getty Images for Vox Media)
A discussion on Fox News' 'The Five' about political violence escalated into a heated argument over race, prompting host Jessica Tarlov to declare, 'I'm out' (Rick Kern/Getty Images for Vox Media)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A debate over political violence quickly turned into a tense exchange over race on July 24, Friday's edition of Fox News' ‘The Five’, ending with co-host Jessica Tarlov declaring, "I'm out," after Greg Gutfeld joked that Republican-voting Black Americans were "better" than Democrats.

The discussion began with the panel comparing threats against President Donald Trump and Democratic politicians. But within minutes, the conversation shifted to race, voting patterns and representation, producing one of the most heated moments on the program.

Jessica Tarlov and Jesse Watters clash over Black voters during debate

The conversation started after Tarlov referenced the killing of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband while discussing political violence.

"No one knows who that is," co-host Jesse Watters responded.

Gutfeld then added, "Trump didn't say, 'Go out there and get in their face.'"

Tarlov pushed back by bringing up Cesar Sayoc, who pleaded guilty in 2019 to mailing b***s to politicians he viewed as enemies of Trump.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 14: Jessica Tarlov attends the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW on March 14, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Vox Media)
Jessica Tarlov attends the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW on March 14, 2026 in Austin, Texas (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Vox Media)

Watters responded by referring to Brian Cole Jr., asking, "Which pipe bomber? The Black guy? Remember when we found out he was, like, some random Black guy?"

Tarlov immediately mocked the remark. "Oh my God, ha ha ha, random Black guy!" she said before adding, "You have no Black people, so I get it, on your side. Is that what you're trying to say?"

Watters replied, "We have a few. We're working on it."

"Work harder," Tarlov shot back.

Greg Gutfeld's comment changes tone of discussion

The exchange escalated moments later when Gutfeld joined in with a laugh.

"Ours are better than yours," he said, referring to Black voters who support Republicans.

Tarlov immediately distanced herself from the comment. "Not touching that," she replied. Watters then argued Republicans had improved their support among Black voters.

GREENVALE, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 05: Jesse Watters attends FOX Nation's 2024 Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2024 in Greenvale, New York. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Jesse Watters attends FOX Nation's 2024 Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2024 in Greenvale, New York. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

"We actually won more Blacks than we did last time," he said.

Tarlov dismissed the point, saying, "You got, like, one percent more and you think it's —"

"I'll take it!" Watters interrupted. "You keep losing whites! Rather have the whites, statistically."

Jessica Tarlov says 'I'm out' as argument reaches breaking point

As the debate continued, Tarlov decided she had heard enough.

"I'm out!" she said. "I am racially out." Gutfeld then told Watters, "Jesse, do not get into an argument with somebody who keeps score of skin color."

Host Greg Gutfeld appears during Former 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's visit to
Host Greg Gutfeld appears during Former 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's visit to 'Gutfeld!' at Fox News Channel Studios on January 22, 2024 in New York City (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Tarlov immediately clarified what had prompted her reaction.

"He said, 'We have better Blacks than you,'" she stressed.

Watters denied making the statement. "No, I didn't say that," he responded. "I said that," Gutfeld acknowledged.

Watters ended the exchange with a joke aimed at Tarlov. "You're mixing up the white guys again," he quipped, "because we all look alike."

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