An interview on the Smartless podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, took an uncomfortable turn when the conversation shifted to singer Charli XCX's personal decision not to have children. The discussion has since ignited a wave of criticism online, with many fans labelling Bateman's approach as outdated and sexist.
The Awkward Exchange on Smartless
Charli XCX appeared on the podcast to promote her work on the Wuthering Heights movie soundtrack. Approximately twenty minutes into the chat, the topic veered into personal territory when Bateman and co-host Sean Hayes began probing the singer about her family plans. Charli, who is 33 years old, mentioned that being an only child influences how she handles conflict, prompting Bateman to ask if this meant she would want "more than one kid" or a child with a similar experience.
Charli responded candidly, stating, "I actually don't really want to have kids." This declaration was met with surprise from both hosts. Sean Hayes inquired "why" before quickly backtracking, acknowledging it was "really none of his business" and noting that he and his partner also do not have children.
Charli XCX's Reasoning and Bateman's Misstep
Charli elaborated on her perspective, explaining that while she likes the idea of naming a child, which she finds "so fun," this very thought signals to her that she might not be ready for parenthood. She reflected, "The fact that that feels like the coolest part about it and like, maybe I'm not ready, you know?"
In an attempt to relate, Jason Bateman shared a personal anecdote about his wife, Amanda Anka, who initially did not want children before they met. The couple now have two daughters, Francesca Nora Bateman and Maple Sylvie Bateman. Bateman suggested to Charli that she "might find somebody" who changes her mind, to which Charli quipped, "I'm married," having wed The 1975's George Daniel last year.
Bateman admitted he needed to "pick up a newspaper," and Charli graciously indicated she understood his point. However, he compounded the awkwardness by suggesting maybe her "next husband" would influence her decision, leading to laughter from Charli before the episode cut to an ad break.
Online Backlash and Fan Reactions
While Charli laughed off the moment, fans on social media were less forgiving. Many criticised Bateman's comments as "outdated" and "sexist." One user, RottenBrunette on X, described it as an "incredibly rough listening experience," arguing that it was "bad enough" he asked the question initially, let alone implying she would change her mind.
Other comments highlighted broader issues with the interview. RachelLacroixs remarked, "I always forget certain celebrities I like are old and still think like this." Buturlosingit added, "This is such a bad interview overall, what do you mean Bateman didn't even know what brat was... I'm so embarrassed for them."
Fans also pointed out that Charli had to explain aspects of her work, such as her album "Brat," which they felt showed a lack of research by Bateman. During the chat, she noted that her music was "only a cultural phenomenon," referencing how Kamala Harris' green-themed presidential campaign drew inspiration from it, a connection Bateman seemed unaware of.
Context from Charli XCX's Music
Charli's reflections on motherhood are not new; she explored similar themes in her track "I Think About It All The Time." The song ruminates on the possibility of wanting children later in life, with lyrics like, "I think about it all the time / That I might run out of time / Cause maybe one day I might / If I don't run out of time / Would it give my life a new purpose?" This adds depth to her podcast comments, suggesting she has thoughtfully considered the topic.
At the end of the episode, co-host Will Arnett, who missed the interview, praised Charli as an "impressive artist and person," offering a contrast to the earlier tension. Metro has reached out to Jason Bateman's team for comment, but no response has been reported yet.
This incident underscores ongoing debates about privacy and respect in celebrity interviews, particularly regarding personal choices like parenthood. As fans continue to voice their disapproval, it serves as a reminder of the fine line interviewers must walk between curiosity and intrusion.
