Jesse Watters Gives His Daughter a Giant Teddy Bear – But When She Names the Teddy Bear, Viewers Discover It’s a Nickname for Someone Very Familiar! 🧸🤫

On May 10, 2025, Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime took an unexpectedly heartwarming turn when host Jesse Watters surprised his 4-year-old daughter, Ellie, with a massive teddy bear during a family-themed segment. The 46-year-old conservative commentator, known for his provocative takes and sharp wit, dialed down the political heat to share a personal moment with his daughter, one of two children he shares with his wife, Emma DiGiovine. But what started as a sweet gesture quickly became the talk of the internet when Ellie, in her adorable innocence, named the teddy bear “Big Balls”—a nickname tied to a very familiar figure recently featured on Watters’ show. The revelation sent the studio into laughter, sparked a viral moment on X, and left viewers buzzing about the surprising connection.

A Family Moment on Primetime

Jesse Watters, who took over Fox News’ coveted 8 PM slot from Tucker Carlson in July 2023, has made Jesse Watters Primetime a ratings juggernaut, often blending hard-hitting political commentary with personal anecdotes. On May 10, he leaned into the latter, inviting Ellie onto the set for a segment dubbed “Family Friday.” Watters explained that he wanted to give Ellie a special gift to celebrate her upcoming fifth birthday. “She’s been asking for something big and cuddly,” he said with a grin, “so I went all out.”

The crew wheeled out a six-foot-tall teddy bear, its plush fur gleaming under the studio lights. Ellie, dressed in a bright pink dress, squealed with delight, running to hug the bear as the live audience cheered. Watters, playing the doting dad, knelt beside her and asked, “So, what are you gonna name this guy?” The cameras zoomed in on Ellie’s thoughtful expression. After a brief pause, she declared, “Big Balls!” The studio erupted in laughter, with Watters’ jaw dropping before he burst into a mix of amusement and mock horror. “Ellie, where’d you hear that?” he exclaimed, while panelist Emily Compagno doubled over, gasping, “Oh my gosh, she didn’t!”

The Nickname’s Familiar Origin

The name “Big Balls” immediately rang a bell for Primetime viewers, as it’s the nickname of Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer who appeared on Watters’ show just a week earlier on May 2, 2025. During a special edition of Jesse Watters Primetime, Coristine, alongside Elon Musk and other DOGE members, discussed efforts to curb government spending. When Watters asked about the origin of his irreverent nickname, Coristine explained that he chose “Big Balls” as his LinkedIn username to reflect his risk-taking, unserious attitude. The moment was a hit, with Watters playfully calling him “the boldest guy in DOGE” and the nickname trending on X for days.

Ellie’s choice of name for the teddy bear sent viewers into a frenzy, as many assumed she’d overheard her father discussing Coristine’s interview at home. On X, fans posted clips of the segment, with one user writing, “Ellie Watters naming her teddy bear ‘Big Balls’ after that DOGE guy on Jesse’s show is comedy gold! Kid’s got taste!” Another joked, “Jesse’s daughter just made Edward Coristine the most famous teddy bear in America. #BigBallsBear.” The viral moment even caught Coristine’s attention, who retweeted a clip with the caption, “Honored to be a teddy bear icon. Thanks, Ellie!”

Watters’ Reaction and the Studio Chaos

Watters, no stranger to on-air surprises, handled the moment with his trademark humor. “This is what I get for talking shop at the dinner table,” he quipped, turning to the camera. “Emma’s gonna kill me when we get home.” He playfully asked Ellie why she picked the name, to which she replied, “He’s big, and he’s round!”—prompting another wave of laughter from the panel and audience. Compagno chimed in, “Jesse, you’ve got to screen her for your show notes!” while guest panelist Tyrus, a frequent Gutfeld! collaborator, declared, “That bear’s got more swagger than half the guests on this show.”

The segment took a lighthearted turn as Watters recounted Ellie’s love for stuffed animals, sharing that her room is “basically a zoo” filled with plush toys. He also gave a nod to Emma, his wife of five years, who was watching from the wings with their 2-year-old son, Jesse Jr. “Emma’s the real MVP,” Watters said. “She keeps Ellie’s zoo in check while I’m out here getting upstaged by a 4-year-old.” The moment was a rare glimpse into Watters’ family life, which he typically keeps private despite his high-profile career.

Why It Struck a Chord

The “Big Balls” teddy bear moment resonated for several reasons. First, it showcased Watters in a softer light, a contrast to his polarizing persona. Known for controversial takes—like claiming in April 2025 that “everyone” knows a Chicago Bulls hat signals MS-13 gang affiliation or mocking Doug Emhoff for grocery shopping—Watters often courts criticism. Yet, his interaction with Ellie humanized him, reminding viewers of his role as a father. Fans on X praised the segment, with one writing, “Jesse’s a total dad here. Ellie stealing the show with ‘Big Balls’ is why I watch Primetime.”

Second, the connection to Coristine’s nickname tied the moment to a broader cultural conversation. The DOGE initiative, led by Elon Musk, has been a lightning rod for debate, with Watters championing its spending cuts while facing personal backlash, like when his sister’s workplace was affected, upsetting his mother. Ellie’s innocent reference to “Big Balls” bridged Watters’ professional and personal worlds, creating a serendipitous moment that felt both spontaneous and quintessentially Primetime.

Finally, the segment tapped into the unpredictable humor that defines Watters’ brand. Much like his viral Thanksgiving snub by his liberal mother, Anne, in November 2024, when she didn’t invite him due to political differences, this moment thrived on Watters’ ability to laugh at himself. His mock outrage at Ellie’s choice kept the tone playful, ensuring the segment didn’t veer into controversy.

The Internet’s Reaction

Social media amplified the moment, with #BigBallsBear trending on X by the next morning. Fans created memes pairing images of the teddy bear with Coristine’s DOGE interview, while others speculated about Ellie’s knack for picking up her dad’s talking points. One X post read, “Ellie Watters is out here naming teddy bears after DOGE staffers. Future Fox News host in the making!” Critics, however, took jabs, with one user snarking, “Jesse’s kid naming a bear ‘Big Balls’ proves his house is just as chaotic as his show.” Despite the snark, the overwhelming response was positive, with viewers charmed by Ellie’s candor.

The segment also sparked playful banter on The Five the following day, where co-host Dana Perino teased, “Jesse, you’ve got to keep Ellie away from your scripts!” Watters shot back, “She’s already got better material than Greg Gutfeld.” The nod to Gutfeld, whose daughter Mira recently stole the spotlight on Gutfeld! by saying “Gus,” underscored the friendly rivalry among Fox News hosts.

What’s Next?

The teddy bear moment is likely to linger in Primetime lore, with Watters hinting at bringing Ellie back for her birthday celebration. On X, he posted a photo of Ellie hugging the bear, captioning it, “Meet Big Balls the Bear. Thanks, Ellie, for keeping me humble.” The post racked up thousands of likes, with fans urging him to feature the bear as a recurring prop. Coristine, meanwhile, leaned into the fame, joking on X about launching a “Big Balls Bear” merch line with DOGE proceeds going to charity.

For Watters, the segment was a win, blending family charm with his show’s edgy humor. As he navigates a busy 2025—hosting Primetime, co-hosting The Five, and dodging his mother’s Thanksgiving snubs—Ellie’s “Big Balls” moment proves he’s still a master at turning the unexpected into must-watch TV. Whether the teddy bear becomes a studio mascot or Ellie names another toy after a Fox News guest, one thing’s clear: Watters’ daughter is already a star.

Sources: Fox News, The Daily Beast, Mediaite, Yahoo, Daily Mail