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.
The Ozark actor, 57, suggested the 33-year-old Brat musician might reconsider motherhood if she "found somebody" — apparently unaware she had already tied the knot with The 1975 drummer George Daniel.
The interview, which aired on Monday, has drawn criticism from listeners who have branded Mr Bateman's remarks "gross" and "disgusting."
Charli appeared on the programme alongside co-hosts Sean Hayes and Will Arnett to discuss her work on the Wuthering Heights film soundtrack.
Jason Bateman has come under fire
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The conversation took an awkward turn when Mr Bateman pressed her about starting a family.
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."
She elaborated that while she enjoys "the fantasy of having a child" — particularly the idea of choosing a name — this enthusiasm was precisely why she felt unprepared for parenthood.
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.
Charli XCX is a chart-topping singer from England
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"So you might find somebody," he told Charli, prompting her to point out she was already married.
"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."
Charli laughed off the interaction, remarking that she foresaw the direction Mr Bateman was heading with his line of questioning.
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."
Jason Bateman is one of Hollywood's best known actors
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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)
Others labelled his comments "outdated" and "sexist." One fan observed: "I always forget certain celebrities I like are old and still think like this."
Another remarked: "Sometimes you have to laugh at sexism so you don't cry."
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.
Charli XCX laughed off the awkward interaction
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The singer reportedly had to explain the Brat phenomenon to him, telling him "it was only a cultural phenomenon."
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 — meaning Mr Bateman would not have researched Charli beforehand.
"People really don’t know what the SmartLess podcast is about. Jason Bateman did nothing wrong," one fan said in protest to the backlash.
A second argued: "Everyone can f*** off. #JasonBateman is a prince. Love that dude."
incredible rough listening experience at one point jason bateman asks her how many kids she wants to have (bad enough) and then she’s like "i don’t think i want kids" and he’s like "well maybe you just need to find the right guy" and she’s like "i’m married" and then silence pic.twitter.com/jnzTBfM7pu
— merle (@rottenbrunette) February 2, 2026
Another echoed: "I don’t agree with what Jason Bateman said, but I also think we can gently correct things without cancelling the person.
"My impression is that he was being oblivious, not malicious. Why can’t we have these conversations without tearing the person apart?"
Meanwhile, a fourth commented on X: "I'm shocked that people on social media are criticizing somebody about a question.
"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)