Actor Responds After Being Labeled “Disgusting” for Asking Charli Xcx About Children

Jason Bateman is finally addressing the wave of online criticism following a particularly tense moment on his podcast, SmartLess. During a February episode, the Ozark star sparked a heated debate after questioning pop sensation Charli xcx about her choice not to have children.

The exchange went viral as fans called out Bateman for what many perceived as an “out of touch” and dismissive attitude toward the singer’s personal boundaries. The controversy began when Charli xcx, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, explicitly stated that she doesn’t really want to have kids.

While the singer admitted she finds the “fantasy” of motherhood—specifically naming a child—to be fun, she explained that this very shallow interest was a clear signal that she wasn’t ready for the reality of parenting.

Bateman, however, pushed back by suggesting that her perspective might find somebody to change it, seemingly unaware that the singer had already tied the knot with George Daniel of The 1975 last July.

Responding to the “married” correction with a quip about needing to read a newspaper, Bateman recently clarified his intentions in a sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter. He explained that the line of questioning felt like a very natural follow-up to their earlier discussion about Charli growing up as an only child.

While he didn’t offer a formal apology, he noted that he finds it valuable and educational to hear how people react to his comments, essentially standing by the conversational flow of the episode. Charli xcx has been historically vocal about the societal pressures placed on women, especially those in the music industry, to conform to traditional family roles.

In previous interviews, she has questioned whether she is less of a woman for choosing a childfree life, criticizing the “biological and social programming” that forces women to stay “sexy and free” while simultaneously expecting them to eventually become mothers.

For her fans, Bateman’s comments felt like a reinforcement of the very indoctrination she has spent her career challenging. Despite the podcast drama, Bateman remains one of the busiest figures in television as he enters the year. He is currently gearing up for the premiere of the HBO dark comedy miniseries DTF St. Louis, which is scheduled to debut on March 1.

The seven-part series, created by Steven Conrad, stars Bateman as a local weatherman named Clark Forrest who becomes entangled in a deadly love triangle. The show features a powerhouse cast including David Harbour, Linda Cardellini, and Richard Jenkins.

Beyond his acting roles, Bateman is continuing to expand his production empire under his Aggregate Films banner. He is also set to star in and direct the upcoming Netflix miniseries Black Rabbit, alongside Jude Law.

This project, which follows the owner of a New York City hotspot who allows his turbulent brother back into his life, is expected to be another gritty addition to his post-Ozark filmography. Between his podcast empire and his prestige TV projects, Bateman is maintaining a firm grip on the Hollywood landscape, even if he occasionally misses a headline or two.

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