Jason Bateman has come under fire for his questioning of pop star Charli XCX regarding her choice not to have children during a recent episode of the “SmartLess” podcast. The conversation, which aired on March 4, 2024, quickly shifted to family planning after Charli discussed her experiences growing up as an only child.
Bateman, 57, pressed Charli, 33, about her decision, asking whether she would prefer to have more than one child or raise an only child like herself. When Charli expressed her lack of desire to have children, stating, “I actually don’t really want to have kids,” both Bateman and his co-host Sean Hayes appeared taken aback. Hayes, who does not have children, initially sought clarification with the question, “Wait? Why?” before adding, “It’s not really any of my business.”
Instead of moving on, Bateman continued to probe Charli about her choice, sharing his own experience of his wife initially not wanting children before eventually changing her mind. Charli responded thoughtfully, saying, “I love the fantasy of having a child… but maybe I’m not ready, you know?”
Despite Charli’s clear stance, Bateman pushed further, suggesting that her feelings might change if she found the right partner. Charli calmly reminded him, “Well, I’m married, so.” She is married to George Daniel, the drummer of the band The 1975, and the couple hosted two extravagant weddings in 2023, one in London and another in Sicily.
Bateman attempted to deflect the situation with a joke, saying, “I got to read a newspaper one of these days.” Charli responded with humor, indicating that she had anticipated the line of questioning.
Listeners quickly took to social media to criticize Bateman for what many perceived as intrusive and inappropriate questioning about a woman’s personal choices regarding motherhood. Comments ranged from frustration over societal pressures on women to have children to outright disbelief at Bateman’s apparent lack of knowledge about Charli’s personal life and career. One anonymous commenter on the Fauxmois Subreddit expressed concern, stating, “Why does society continue to pressure women, in particular, about having kids?”
Critics noted that Bateman seemed unaware of Charli’s recent achievements, including her acclaimed album “Brat,” released in 2024. The album and its themes resonated significantly with younger audiences, even becoming a reference point in political discussions during Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, where the “brat lifestyle” was used to attract youth voters.
Concerns also arose regarding the podcast’s format, which often features a mystery guest. This setup leaves some hosts without adequate background information on the guests, leading to moments where they may appear uninformed. While Sean Hayes engaged with Charli’s work, Bateman’s lack of knowledge drew criticism, prompting comments like, “Do these hosts not research… the people who are coming to their podcasts?”
Despite the backlash, the incident highlights ongoing discussions about personal choices regarding parenthood and the societal expectations placed on women. As public conversations evolve, celebrities like Charli XCX continue to challenge traditional narratives, asserting their autonomy in personal life decisions.
