Jason Bateman is facing criticism following his recent interview with Charli XCX on the SmartLess podcast. The British pop star spoke to hosts Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes on the February 2 episode of the show, where the awkward exchange took place.
Jason Bateman faces backlash for asking Charli XCX about kids
During her interview on the SmartLess podcast, Charli XCX reflected on growing up as an only child. The pop star shared that she “miss[ed] out on a lot of conflict” as a result. Bateman then asked the singer, “Would you love to have more than one kid or would you like to have a kid that has the same experience as you, the only child, and then you get to nurture and protect?”
Charli responded, saying, “I actually don’t really want to have kids.” A surprised Hayes then chimed in, asking, “You don’t? Wait, why? I know that’s none of my business…” The host went on to note his own wish not to have kids.
The “360” hitmaker reflected on her stance on becoming a mother, saying, “That could change.” She shared, “I love the fantasy of having a child, like naming it — it sounds so fun.” She added, “But I’m like, that is exactly assigned to me as to why I should not have one, the fact that [naming it] feels like the coolest part about it.”
Bateman then suggested that Charli might change her mind in the future, citing his personal experience. The actor recalled how his wife, Amanda Anka, did not initially want to have kids as well, but the couple has since welcomed two daughters together. Additionally, Bateman admitted that he had no idea that Charli was married. Later in the segment, he joked, “Maybe your next husband, you’re gonna want to have kids with him.”
Bateman’s inquiry of Charli about having kids did not sit well with fans. Many have taken to social media to criticize the Ozark star’s persistence in convincing Charli to have kids. One user wrote on X, “btw, if a woman says she doesn’t wanna have kids, THEN THATS THE END OF THE STORY. saying ‘maybe you’ll change your mind when you get married…’ is GROSS. Another user called the interview, “one of the worst pieces of media of all time.”
