Jason Bateman Faces Backlash After Podcast Chat With Charli XCX, 33, Turns Awkward

Jason Bateman is facing a wave of backlash after fans accused the actor of being tone deaf and sexist during a recent interview with Charli xcx on his SmartLess podcast.

On Monday, February 2, Bateman, who cohosts the show with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, sparked criticism after repeatedly pressing the British pop star about her views on children and family.

During the conversation, Bateman, 57, commented on Charli’s experience growing up as an only child, suggesting that only children are “coddled” and heavily protected. He then asked whether that upbringing made her want to have more than one child someday.

Charli, 33, explained that being an only child often means clashing more with parents, before bluntly admitting: “I actually don’t really want to have kids.”

Undeterred, Bateman questioned her reasoning and assured her that her perspective on motherhood “could change” once she starts seeing someone because “my wife did not want to have kids.” (Today, Bateman and his wife of nearly 25 years, Amanda Anka, 57, share two daughters, Francesca, 19, and Maple, 13.)

That’s when the “Boys” singer deadpanned: “Well, I’m married so…”

Though Charli, who wed her husband  George Daniel, 35, in July,  later added that her feelings could indeed change, many fans dragged Bateman for pressing the issue after the podcast’s release

“Awkward vibes but honestly, some questions just shouldn’t be asked,” slammed one fan on X.

“I had to go listen to see for myself,” wrote another on X, “and it’s worse than i thought it would be …. Disgusting.”