Jason Bateman Criticized For Questioning Charli XCX About Kids

Jason Bateman is drawing criticism on social media after a recent episode of his podcast was released. The actor had singer-songwriter Charli XCX as a guest, and during the hour-long conversation, they touched on the topic of children.

The singer said she didn’t want children, prompting Bateman to offer some comments that listeners found irksome, with several labeling him as “gross” and “tone deaf.”

British singer Charli XCX was the guest star on the February 2 episode of Bateman’s podcast, “Smartless,” which he hosts with fellow actors Sean Hayes and Will Arnett.

At one point during the conversation, they were discussing their experiences growing up, and it was pointed out that Charli XCX was an only child. Bateman then asked her whether that affected her decision about how many kids she wanted.

The 33-year-old singer then answered, “I actually don’t want to have kids.” Hayes responded with, “You don’t? Wait, why?” but later on added, “It’s none of my business.”

Hayes, who does not have children with husband Scott Icenogle, then said that he understands Charli XCX’s stance, saying, “I’ve said it a million times on this show that I’d rather regret not having kids than have them and regret it later,” to which the singer agreed.

Charli XCX explained that she might change her mind later on, adding that right now, the coolest part of having a child is choosing a name, which is “exactly a sign to me to why I should not have one.” “Maybe I’m not ready, you know?” she said.

After her explanation, Bateman then shared his own experience, saying that her wife, Amanda Anka, didn’t want to have children as well, but changed her mind. “So, you might find somebody,” he told the singer.

What he didn’t know was that Charli XCX is already married, and he responded jokingly by saying, “Your next husband, you’re gonna want kids.”

Bateman and Anka met in their teens but didn’t start dating until 1998. Anka is a producer, former actress, and the daughter of singer-songwriter Paul Anka. The couple tied the knot in 2001 and welcomed their first daughter, Franny, in 2006. Six years later, Anka gave birth to their second daughter, Maple.

As Bateman told Charli XCX, Anka initially didn’t want to have children. However, once they started going out, she said, “I think I can have a kid with this guy,” which gave him the idea that the same could happen to Charli XCX, not knowing that she was already married.

Charli XCX and her husband, George Daniel of the band The 1975, collaborated on music before they began dating. According to Elle, the couple revealed their relationship on Instagram in 2022 and were subsequently spotted attending several events thereafter.

They announced their engagement in November 2023. Charli XCX and Daniel had a civil ceremony in London in July 2025, professing their love for each other in front of a select few. They then had a second wedding in Sicily two months later with more people in attendance, per People.

Many on social media made their thoughts known about Bateman’s comments to Charli XCX, with one saying, “Not everyone needs to be a parent. It’s kind of gross how presumptuous he is, trying to tell her how to live her life.”

Another user wrote, “Well, it IS called ‘Smartless’ so I guess this just proved why,” with another commenting, “disgusting.” A user pointed out how shocked the hosts were to find out the singer didn’t want kids, adding, “This is the 21st century.”

Yet another pointed out, “I wish people would normalize that some people just simply do not want kids. It’s not always about the ‘right’ person. Some people live very happy childless lives.”

While others threw harsh comments at the actor, a few defended him after listening to the clip. “It was harmless and silly, and she took it in stride. Nothing like what you portrayed. Y’all are so dramatic,” one wrote.

Another user commented, “I listened to this section, and that’s really not how the convo went, and there was no silence. You’re just mischaracterizing it.”