When viewers tune in to Fox News for breaking headlines and political debate, few expect to find the network’s own stars at the center of jaw-dropping scandals. Yet, in recent years, a string of high-profile affairs and divorces among Fox News anchors has grabbed the spotlight, raising questions about workplace relationships, ethics, and the personal lives of America’s most-watched news personalities.

From Jesse Watters’ surprise affair to Ed Henry’s dramatic downfall, Charles Payne’s public apology, Ainsley Earhardt’s heartbreak, and Pete Hegseth’s tangled personal history, these real-life stories have captivated fans and fueled endless speculation. Here’s an inside look at the scandals that rocked Fox News—and what they reveal about fame, power, and accountability.

Jesse Watters: From Rising Star to Tabloid Sensation

Jesse Watters built his reputation as one of Fox News’ most provocative voices. Known for his bold “man on the street” interviews and confrontational style on The O’Reilly Factor, Watters quickly rose through the network’s ranks. His popularity led to his own show, Watters’ World, and eventually a prime-time slot.

But behind the scenes, Watters’ personal life was unraveling in ways fans never expected. In 2009, he married Noel Inguagiato, a Fox News colleague who worked on style and entertainment segments. The couple’s workplace romance blossomed into a marriage that seemed stable and intertwined with their careers. They welcomed twin daughters, Sophie and Ellie, in 2011.

Everything changed in 2017, when Noel discovered Jesse was having an affair with Emma DiGiovine, a much younger associate producer on Watters’ World. Rather than keep the relationship secret, Watters reported the affair to Fox News’ Human Resources department himself. The network determined the relationship was consensual but reassigned Emma to another program to avoid conflicts of interest.

The affair became public the following year, shocking fans who saw Watters as a family man. Noel filed for divorce in late 2017, and after the divorce was finalized in March 2019, Jesse began dating Emma openly. By December, the two were married. Watters later joked on-air about letting the air out of Emma’s tires so she’d need a ride from him—a story that drew criticism for its ethical implications.

Despite the scandal, Watters’ career remained intact. He kept his shows, was promoted to Jesse Watters Primetime in 2022, and continued as a co-host on The Five. Emma lost her original position, but Jesse’s star power at Fox News was undiminished. The episode sparked ongoing debate about workplace relationships, age gaps, and the accountability of public figures.

Ed Henry: From White House to Fallout

Ed Henry was once Fox News’ chief White House correspondent, a respected journalist with a background at CNN and a reputation for incisive political reporting. In 2010, he married Shirley Hung, herself a media professional, and the couple had two children.

But in 2016, Henry’s career took a hit when news broke of his affair with Las Vegas hostess Natalia Lima. The relationship, which began in 2015, was exposed through text messages and detailed accounts of their encounters. Fox News responded by suspending Henry for four months and demoting him. The affair strained his marriage, and he and Shirley eventually divorced.

Henry’s troubles didn’t end there. In 2020, Fox News received a complaint accusing him of sexual misconduct in the workplace. The network hired an outside law firm to investigate, and after confirming the allegations, terminated Henry’s employment. Former producer Jennifer Eckhart filed a lawsuit alleging rape and coercion, claiming Fox News ignored previous complaints. Henry maintained all relationships were consensual.

The legal battle dragged on for years, with the case settling in June 2025. Henry’s memoir was canceled, his profile scrubbed from Fox News, and his co-anchor continued solo. The scandal highlighted issues of workplace ethics, power dynamics, and the responsibilities of media organizations to protect employees.

Charles Payne: Public Apology and Lingering Questions

Charles Payne, host of Making Money with Charles Payne on Fox Business Network, was known for his financial expertise and calm on-air demeanor. Privately, Payne was married to Ivonne Payne and had two children.

In 2017, Payne publicly admitted to a three-year affair with a married political analyst who appeared regularly on Fox platforms. He apologized to his wife, children, and friends, but the scandal deepened when commentator Scottie Nell Hughes accused Payne of rape and coercion. Hughes claimed Payne promised her more airtime in exchange for a sexual relationship, and that she was blacklisted after reporting the conduct.

Fox Business suspended Payne pending an investigation, then reinstated him two months later. Portions of Hughes’ lawsuit survived court scrutiny, keeping the issue in the public eye. Payne denied non-consensual claims, but the scandal raised questions about power, retaliation, and workplace ethics. Payne remains at Fox Business and married to Ivonne, but the case continues to cast a shadow over his career.

Ainsley Earhardt: Betrayal and Resilience

Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of Fox & Friends, is known for her upbeat persona, Christian faith, and devotion to motherhood. In 2012, she married Will Proctor, a former football player turned finance professional. Their daughter, Hayden, was born in 2015.

In October 2018, Earhardt announced her separation from Proctor amid allegations he had cheated on her with one of her closest friends. Proctor denied the claims, but Earhardt decided to end the marriage. The divorce was finalized in 2019. Earhardt has spoken publicly about the challenges of co-parenting and healing from betrayal, emphasizing her faith and resilience.

She continues to anchor Fox & Friends, using her experience to connect with viewers on issues of motherhood, faith, and personal growth. Earhardt has since become engaged to fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity, turning a painful chapter into a story of recovery and hope.

Pete Hegseth: Personal Turmoil and Public Scrutiny

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and veteran, has faced intense scrutiny over his personal life. Married multiple times, Hegseth has admitted to several affairs, including five during his first marriage and another during his second. He fathered a child with Jennifer Rauchet, who became his third wife.

Hegseth’s mother even sent him a strongly worded email in 2018, accusing him of mistreating women. The email, written in anger, was never disavowed. Hegseth’s divorce in 2017 included allegations of assault, which he denied, claiming the encounter was consensual. The parties settled confidentially to avoid a public lawsuit.

Despite his personal controversies, Hegseth continued to appear on Fox News and was even nominated for Secretary of Defense. His story underscores the complicated intersection of personal behavior, public image, and professional opportunity.

Scandals, Accountability, and the Future of Fox News

These stories of affairs, divorces, and allegations have transformed how fans view Fox News’ most prominent anchors. While some, like Jesse Watters and Charles Payne, weathered the storm and kept their jobs, others, like Ed Henry, saw their careers end abruptly. For Ainsley Earhardt, personal heartbreak became a platform for resilience.

The scandals have sparked conversations about workplace relationships, power dynamics, age differences, and the accountability of public figures. They also remind viewers that behind the headlines are real people facing complex challenges.