Jason Bateman is responding after facing criticism over a recent exchange with Charli XCX.
The conversation took place on an episode of the Smartless podcast, which Bateman co-hosts alongside Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. During the episode, Charli joined the trio for what began as a wide-ranging discussion about her life, career, and upbringing. At one point, the topic turned to children.
Charli openly shared that she does not want kids. Bateman then referenced his own experience, telling a story about how his wife, Amanda Anka, once said she didn’t want children before they met. The couple now shares two daughters.
During the exchange, Bateman suggested that Charli “might find somebody” who would change her mind one day.
Charli responded clearly and directly: “Well, I’m married.” She and her husband, George Daniel, celebrated their relationship with two weddings last year — one in London and another in Italy.
The moment sparked conversation online. Some listeners felt Bateman’s comment implied that a woman’s stance on motherhood could shift depending on a partner, which many interpreted as dismissive of Charli’s autonomy. Others defended the exchange as conversational rather than confrontational.
Now, Bateman is addressing the reaction.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he reflected on the moment and clarified his intention:
“We were having a great conversation about her life growing up as an only child. It seemed like a very natural follow-up to that. That’s all it was. I don’t really have much [else] to say about it, except that it is always interesting and valuable and educational to hear people’s thoughts, reactions and feelings to anything I say or do,” Jason told THR.
His response is measured and concise. Rather than escalate or dismiss the backlash outright, Bateman acknowledged that audience reactions are part of being a public figure.
Neither Charli nor Bateman has indicated any further tension surrounding the interview.
