Jason Bateman Sparks Backlash After Asking Charli XCX About Having Kids — Singer Responds With the Perfect Answer

Jason Bateman is currently facing a wave of backlash across social media following a tense exchange on the latest episode of the SmartLess podcast. The actor found himself in hot water after an interview with pop icon Charli XCX took an uncomfortable turn regarding her personal life and choices about motherhood.

While the podcast is known for its lighthearted and often unprepared banter, many listeners felt that Bateman crossed a line by pushing the singer on a deeply personal topic.

The conversation began when Bateman asked the Grammy winner if she would prefer to have one child or multiple children. When Charli XCX candidly responded by saying, I actually don’t really want to have kids, the room became visibly awkward. Co-host Sean Hayes jumped in to express his own lack of interest in parenting, but Bateman took a different approach by suggesting the singer might eventually change her mind.

Charli explained that while she enjoys the fantasy of motherhood, such as picking out names, she feels that is exactly why she shouldn’t have one. The fact that [naming it] feels like the coolest part about it, she noted, was a sign that the lifestyle isn’t for her. Bateman then attempted to use his own marriage as an example, telling her that his wife initially didn’t want kids until they started dating.

The situation grew even more cringeworthy when Bateman suggested that she might simply need to find the right person. Charli was forced to remind the host of her current status, stating, Well, I am married, referring to her husband, George Daniel of The 1975. Bateman tried to laugh off the mistake by joking, Your next husband, you’re gonna want kids, a comment that many fans found dismissive and rude.

Fans were quick to defend the singer, calling the interview a disgusting and incredibly rough listening experience. Many pointed out that women are constantly pressured by society to justify their choice not to have children. The SmartLess format, where hosts often don’t know who the guest is beforehand, was cited as the reason for Bateman’s lack of research, but critics argued that basic respect should still apply.

Charli XCX was on the show to promote her major acting debut in the new A24 movie The Moment. The film is a mockumentary that explores the high-pressure world of pop stardom and features a star-studded cast including Rachel Sennott and Alexander Skarsgård. It has already become a major talking point in 2026, further cementing Charli’s status as a multi-media powerhouse.

As Bateman navigates this latest PR hurdle, Charli XCX is continuing to celebrate a massive year for her career. Between the success of her film and her ongoing influence on music and fashion, she remains a defining voice of her generation. For now, the internet seems firmly on her side, reminding Hollywood that some personal boundaries shouldn’t be pushed for the sake of a podcast wisecrack.

Do you think celebrity interviewers need to be more careful about asking women about their plans for children, or was Jason Bateman just making harmless small talk? Share your thoughts in the comments.