Jason Bateman under fire for questioning pop star’s motherhood choices

EntertainmentOpinion
3 Feb 2026 • 7:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Actor Jason Bateman has faced criticism for his line of questioning towards musician Charli XCX regarding her decision not to have children during an interview on his podcast, SmartLess.
  • Bateman, 57, expressed shock when Charli XCX, 33, stated she did not want children, suggesting she might change her mind if she found the “right” partner, despite her being married.
  • Listeners branded the interview “disgusting” and an “incredibly rough listening experience”, accusing Bateman of making assumptions about women's choices regarding motherhood.
  • Some defended Bateman, explaining that the podcast's format involves one host selecting a guest without the others knowing, which could explain his unawareness of Charli XCX's marital status.
  • Charli XCX has previously discussed societal pressure on women to have children, exploring these themes in her song “I Think About It All The Time”.

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