Actor Defends Himself Following Criticism for Asking Charli Xcx About Having Children

Jason Bateman is speaking out after a wave of criticism hit him following a tense moment on his podcast, SmartLess. During a February episode, the Ozark star asked pop singer Charli XCX about her decision not to have children, sparking a heated online debate. TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter have covered the fallout.

Fans quickly called out Bateman, saying his questions were out of touch and dismissive of Charli XCX’s personal choices. The singer, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, had explained that she doesn’t really want kids. She added that while the idea of motherhood—like naming a child—can be fun in theory, she isn’t ready for the reality of parenting.

Bateman pushed back, suggesting that someone might eventually change her mind. Many viewers reacted strongly, pointing out that Charli XCX had married George Daniel of The 1975 in July, making his comment feel even more disconnected from the facts. Bateman later joked that he needed to read a newspaper to stay updated.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bateman clarified why he asked the questions. “It felt like a natural follow-up to our earlier conversation about her growing up as an only child,” he said.

While he didn’t issue a formal apology, he emphasized that it’s interesting and educational to see how people react to his words, showing he stands by the conversational flow of the podcast. Charli XCX has often spoken out about the pressure women face to conform to traditional family roles.

She has questioned whether choosing a childfree life makes her less of a woman and criticized the societal expectation that women should balance freedom, attractiveness, and eventually motherhood. For many fans, Bateman’s questions echoed the kind of pressure Charli has spent her career challenging.

Despite the podcast drama, Bateman is keeping busy. He is preparing for the HBO dark comedy miniseries DTF St. Louis, which premieres on March 1. He plays Clark Forrest, a local weatherman who becomes caught in a deadly love triangle. The series also stars David Harbour, Linda Cardellini, and Richard Jenkins and promises a mix of suspense and dark humor.

Bateman is also expanding his production company, Aggregate Films, and is set to star in and direct the Netflix miniseries Black Rabbit with Jude Law. The story follows the owner of a New York City hotspot who lets his turbulent brother back into his life, adding another gritty project to Bateman’s post-Ozark work.

Between his podcast, acting roles, and production projects, Jason Bateman remains a major force in Hollywood, even if he sometimes finds himself at the center of a controversy.

What do you think about Jason Bateman’s comments to Charli XCX? Share your thoughts in the comments.