rights
Fox host gleefully jokes about US military raping women in Asia: "You better watch out!"
By Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
Fox News anchor Jesse Watters cheerily joked on Thursday that a new Department of Defense policy could lead to more sexual assaults of women. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new plan to test the testosterone levels of all men in the military over the age of 30, no matte
Key takeaway "The guys that don't need it are gonna take it!
Why this matters
Jesse Watters' comments on Fox News highlight the disturbing intersection of toxic masculinity and militarism, where the pursuit of aggression and dominance is prioritized over the well-being and safety of women. The Department of Defense's new policy on testosterone testing has already raised concerns about its potential impact on the health of military personnel, and Watters' jokes about increased sexual assaults only exacerbate these worries. His remarks also reveal a deeper issue with the way masculinity is perceived and performed, particularly in the context of the military, where traditional notions of masculinity are often emphasized. The fact that Watters feels comfortable making light of sexual violence on a national platform is a troubling indication of the ways in which misogyny and sexism can be perpetuated and normalized. As national discussions around LGBTQ+ rights and gender continue to evolve, it is crucial to address the ways in which toxic masculinity can harm not only women but also LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Fox News anchor Jesse Watters cheerily joked on Thursday that a new Department of Defense policy could lead to more sexual assaults of women. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new plan to test the testosterone levels of all men in the military over the age of 30, no matte
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .