{"id":407480,"date":"2026-02-04T14:16:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/407480\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T14:16:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:16:09","slug":"jason-bateman-in-sexism-row-after-questioning-singer-charli-xcxs-decision-to-not-have-children-in-rough-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/407480\/","title":{"rendered":"Jason Bateman in ‘sexism’ row after questioning singer Charli XCX’s decision to not have children in ‘rough’ interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jason Bateman has sparked a wave of criticism following a rather uncomfortable exchange with Charli XCX on his SmartLess podcast, during which he questioned the singer’s decision not to have children.<\/p>\n

The Ozark actor, 57, suggested the 33-year-old Brat musician might reconsider motherhood if she “found somebody” \u2014 apparently unaware she had already tied the knot with The 1975 drummer George Daniel.<\/p>\n

The interview, which aired on Monday, has drawn criticism from listeners who have branded Mr Bateman’s remarks “gross” and “disgusting.”<\/p>\n

Charli appeared on the programme alongside co-hosts Sean Hayes and Will Arnett to discuss her work on the Wuthering Heights film soundtrack.<\/p>\n

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Jason Bateman has come under fire <\/p>\n

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The conversation took an awkward turn when Mr Bateman pressed her about starting a family.<\/p>\n

The topic arose after Charli reflected on her experience growing up without siblings. When Mr Bateman enquired whether she would want multiple children, the singer responded candidly: “I actually don’t really want to have kids.”<\/p>\n

She elaborated that while she enjoys “the fantasy of having a child” \u2014 particularly the idea of choosing a name \u2014 this enthusiasm was precisely why she felt unprepared for parenthood.<\/p>\n

Mr Bateman then recounted how his wife, Amanda Anka, had initially been reluctant to start a family but changed her perspective after they began dating. The couple now share two daughters.<\/p>\n

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“So you might find somebody,” he told Charli, prompting her to point out she was already married.<\/p>\n

“I got to read a newspaper one of these days,” Mr Bateman quipped, before sarcastically adding: “Maybe your next husband, you’re gonna want to have kids with him.”<\/p>\n

Charli laughed off the interaction, remarking that she foresaw the direction Mr Bateman was heading with his line of questioning.<\/p>\n

The podcast episode provoked strong reactions across social media platforms. One listener on X described it as an “incredibly rough listening experience,” whilst another declared it “one of the worst pieces of media of all time.”<\/p>\n

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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:<\/p>\n

Critics took particular issue with Mr Bateman’s assumption that a woman might reconsider motherhood with the right partner. “If a woman says she doesn’t wanna have kids, THEN THAT’S THE END OF THE STORY,” one user wrote, calling the suggestion she might change her mind “GROSS.” (sic)<\/p>\n

Others labelled his comments “outdated” and “sexist.” One fan observed: “I always forget certain celebrities I like are old and still think like this.”<\/p>\n

Another remarked: “Sometimes you have to laugh at sexism so you don’t cry.”<\/p>\n

Listeners also criticised Bateman for appearing unfamiliar with Charli’s work, noting he seemed unaware that Kamala Harris’s green-themed presidential campaign had been a reference to her album.<\/p>\n

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Charli XCX laughed off the awkward interaction <\/p>\n

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The singer reportedly had to explain the Brat phenomenon to him, telling him “it was only a cultural phenomenon.”<\/p>\n

However, some defended the actor, pointing out that the podcast’s format sees one host select a mystery guest unknown to the others until recording begins \u2014 meaning Mr Bateman would not have researched Charli beforehand.<\/p>\n

“People really don\u2019t know what the SmartLess podcast is about. Jason Bateman did nothing wrong,” one fan said in protest to the backlash.<\/p>\n

A second argued: “Everyone can f*** off. #JasonBateman is a prince. Love that dude.”<\/p>\n

incredible rough listening experience at one point jason bateman asks her how many kids she wants to have (bad enough) and then she\u2019s like “i don\u2019t think i want kids” and he\u2019s like “well maybe you just need to find the right guy” and she\u2019s like “i\u2019m married” and then silence pic.twitter.com\/jnzTBfM7pu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 merle (@rottenbrunette) February 2, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Another echoed: “I don\u2019t agree with what Jason Bateman said, but I also think we can gently correct things without cancelling the person.<\/p>\n

“My impression is that he was being oblivious, not malicious. Why can\u2019t we have these conversations without tearing the person apart?”<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a fourth commented on X: “I’m shocked that people on social media are criticizing somebody about a question. <\/p>\n

“I’m not surprised the media is writing about this, because … duh, clicks. Bateman has nothing to feel bad about. Legit question and response by both.” (sic)<\/p>\n