In the high-stakes world of Fox News, where drama often spills from the screen into real life, Jesse Watters has been no stranger to headlines. The brash, outspoken host of Jesse Watters Primetime and co-host of The Five made waves in 2018 when his decade-long marriage to Noelle Inguagiato unraveled amid a scandalous affair with his then-25-year-old associate producer, Emma DiGiovine. The affair, which led to a high-profile divorce and Watters’ subsequent marriage to DiGiovine, could have been a recipe for family disaster—especially for the couple’s twin daughters, Sophie and Ellie, born in 2011. Yet, in a surprising twist, Watters has recently shut down rumors that his daughters were emotionally scarred by the split, insisting that his family has not only survived but thrived. Even more shocking? Watters credits his young daughters for fostering an “admirable” bond between his ex-wife and current wife. Here’s the inside scoop on how this Fox News star’s messy personal life turned into an unexpected story of resilience and redemption.

A Scandal That Rocked Fox News

Jesse Watters, now 46, was a rising star at Fox News when the scandal broke in 2018. Known for his “man-on-the-street” interviews and sharp-witted conservative commentary, Watters had built a reputation as a golden boy at the network. He married Noelle Inguagiato in 2009 after meeting her at Fox, where she worked in the advertising and promotions department. The couple welcomed twin daughters in 2011, and by all accounts, their marriage seemed solid—at least on the surface. Watters often shared glimpses of his family life, including a Valentine’s Day post to Noelle in 2017, portraying a picture of domestic bliss.

But behind the scenes, trouble was brewing. In October 2017, Noelle filed for divorce, and the reason soon became public: Watters had admitted to an affair with Emma DiGiovine, a 25-year-old associate producer on his show, Watters’ World. The revelation sent shockwaves through the conservative media world, especially given Watters’ public persona as a champion of traditional values. Sources reported that Watters disclosed the affair to Fox News’ human resources department shortly after Noelle’s filing, and DiGiovine was promptly transferred to The Ingraham Angle. By spring 2018, DiGiovine had left the network entirely, but the damage was done.

The affair wasn’t just a personal betrayal—it was a professional scandal. Watters, who had dined with then-President Donald Trump and was seen as a favorite of the commander-in-chief, faced intense scrutiny. Social media posts from Watters and DiGiovine, including photos from a Caribbean vacation, fueled rumors of their romance, and critics were quick to label Watters a hypocrite for his on-air persona. One particularly eyebrow-raising anecdote? Watters later admitted on air that he had let the air out of DiGiovine’s tires to offer her a ride, a move he framed as a quirky courtship tactic but which many slammed as manipulative and creepy.

The Divorce and Its Aftermath

Noelle and Jesse Watters’ divorce was finalized in March 2019, after a contentious battle that included Noelle’s demand for Jesse to cover her legal fees. The terms of the settlement remained confidential, but the split was far from amicable at the time. Noelle, who had left her career at Fox after the birth of their daughters, was reportedly blindsided by the affair. The couple’s twin girls, then just seven years old, were caught in the middle of the public spectacle. Many assumed the girls would bear the emotional brunt of their parents’ high-profile breakup, with tabloids speculating about the long-term impact on their well-being.

Yet, according to Watters, those assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. In a recent interview, the Fox News host pushed back against rumors that Sophie and Ellie were emotionally scarred by the divorce. “People love to paint this picture of a broken family, but that’s not what happened,” Watters said. “My girls are strong, happy, and thriving. They’ve got two parents who love them and a stepmom who’s stepped up in a big way. If anything, they’ve brought us all closer together.” Watters’ claims might sound like spin, but sources close to the family suggest there’s truth to his words.

A Surprising Bond Between Ex and Current Wife

Perhaps the most astonishing part of Watters’ story is the relationship that has developed between Noelle and Emma. After the divorce, Watters wasted no time moving forward with DiGiovine. The couple announced their engagement in August 2019 and married in December of that year in a star-studded Florida ceremony attended by Trump family members like Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Eric and Lara Trump. The twins served as flower girls, a sign that Watters was determined to integrate his new wife into his daughters’ lives.

What could have been a tense and fractured dynamic has instead become a model of cooperation—at least, according to Watters. He credits Sophie and Ellie for bridging the gap between Noelle and Emma. “The girls love both their mom and Emma, and they’ve made it clear they want everyone to get along,” Watters revealed. “They’ve got this incredible ability to bring people together. Noelle and Emma have a respect for each other that I honestly didn’t expect, and it’s all because of the kids.” Insiders say the two women have worked hard to maintain a united front for the girls, coordinating schedules and even attending school events together. One source described their relationship as “surprisingly admirable,” noting that Noelle and Emma have put the twins’ needs above any lingering resentment.

This cooperative dynamic hasn’t come without effort. Noelle, now 48, has largely stayed out of the public eye since the divorce, focusing on raising her daughters. Emma, now 32, has embraced her role as a stepmother, frequently sharing family moments on social media, including posts about the couple’s son, born in 2021, and daughter, born in 2023. While some online commenters have criticized Emma for her role in the affair, others have praised her for stepping into a challenging situation with grace. “Emma’s not trying to replace Noelle,” a source close to the family said. “She’s carved out her own space in the girls’ lives, and Noelle respects that. It’s not perfect, but it works.”

The Kids Are Alright

At the heart of this unconventional family story are Sophie and Ellie, now 13. Watters insists that his daughters have not only coped with the divorce but have emerged stronger for it. “They’re smart, they’re resilient, and they’ve got a lot of love around them,” he said. “They don’t dwell on the past—they’re too busy living their lives.” Friends of the family confirm that the twins are well-adjusted, excelling in school and involved in activities like dance and sports. Their presence at Watters’ wedding to Emma, dressed in matching white dresses, was a testament to their ability to embrace their new family dynamic.

Watters’ own relationship with his daughters remains a priority. Despite his demanding schedule at Fox News, where he juggles Jesse Watters Primetime and The Five, he makes time for family moments, from attending their recitals to taking them on vacations. He’s also candid about the lessons he’s learned from the scandal. “I’m not perfect,” Watters admitted. “I made mistakes, but I’ve worked hard to make things right for my kids. They know they’re loved, and that’s what matters.”

A Controversial Figure Moves Forward

Watters’ personal life may have stabilized, but his professional life continues to stir controversy. Known for his provocative commentary, he’s faced backlash for remarks ranging from misogynistic comments about Kamala Harris to suggesting that men who vote for women “transition into women.” His critics, including some colleagues, have called him out for insensitivity, with one insider labeling him a “hypocrite” for joking about infidelity given his own history.

Yet Watters remains a Fox News powerhouse, with a loyal audience and a knack for staying in the spotlight. His ability to weather personal and professional storms speaks to his resilience—and perhaps his ability to spin a narrative. For now, he’s focused on his family, his career, and proving that even the messiest scandals can lead to unexpected harmony. “My family didn’t fall apart,” Watters declared. “We rebuilt, and we’re stronger for it.” Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing’s clear: Jesse Watters’ story is anything but ordinary.