On September 19, 2025, Fox News’ The Five descended into pandemonium when host Greg Gutfeld, 61, lost his trademark cool and unleashed a profanity-laced tirade at co-host Jessica Tarlov during a heated debate on election integrity. The sharp-tongued comedian, usually a master of sarcasm, snapped, “That’s bullshit, Jessica—you’re twisting facts like a pretzel!” as Tarlov, 41, calmly rebutted his claims on voter fraud. The F-bomb, dropped live to 3.4 million viewers, left the panel stunned, co-hosts Dana Perino and Jesse Watters exchanging wide-eyed glances, while Tarlov’s unflappable poise—“Greg, passion’s fine, but facts aren’t bullshit”—only fanned the flames. The director cut to commercial amid awkward silence, but the damage was done, catapulting the moment to viral infamy on X (#GutfeldMeltdown).

The clash erupted over Tarlov’s defense of mail-in voting, citing 2024’s record turnout, when Gutfeld interrupted, “It’s rigged—wake up!” Tarlov fired back, “Data says otherwise,” prompting Gutfeld’s expletive outburst. Social media detonated, with 2 million posts in minutes: conservatives cheering “Gutfeld’s real!” while liberals slammed “toxic masculinity meltdown.” One X user tweeted, “Jessica stayed classy—Greg embarrassed Fox!” The incident, simmering from months of panel tensions like Tarlov’s clash with Laura Ingraham, has sparked calls for Gutfeld’s suspension, with FCC complaints surging 300%.

Gutfeld, apologizing on his Gutfeld! show, called it “heat of the moment,” praising Tarlov as “tough but fair.” Tarlov, in a View guest spot, quipped, “I’ve heard worse at a family dinner—let’s move on.” The Five ratings spiked 25%, but insiders whisper of network panic, fearing advertiser pullouts. Was Gutfeld’s snap authentic passion or a career-killer? As Fox navigates post-election divides, this raw exchange exposes the fragility of civility on air, leaving viewers questioning if the panel can survive the fire it ignited.