Jason Bateman's Awkward 'Next Husband' Jab at Married Charli XCX Sparks Parenting Debate Firestorm

A viral podcast moment is dividing the internet after Jason Bateman pressed Charli XCX about children—then suggested she might want kids with her "next husband" despite her recent marriage.

On the latest SmartLess episode, the British pop star revealed she doesn't want children, explaining she only enjoys the idea of naming a baby—a sign she's "not ready." Bateman, a father of two, immediately countered with personal anecdotes about his wife changing her mind.

"My wife did not want to have kids, so the story goes," Bateman said. "She said once we started going out she thought, 'OK, I think I can have a kid with this guy.' So you might find somebody."

Charli quickly clarified: "Well, I'm married"—referencing husband George Daniel, drummer for The 1975, whom she wed in two ceremonies last year.

Charli XCX at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Dia Dipasupil/Getty

After laughing off his oversight ("I've got to read a newspaper one of these days"), Bateman doubled down with a quip that ignited online fury: "maybe your next husband, you're gonna want to have kids with him."

Co-host Sean Hayes had earlier softened the tone, sharing his own nuanced view: "I want to want to have kids... I'd rather regret not having them than have them and regret it later."

Charli XCX with husband George Daniel at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The exchange has exploded across social media, with critics calling Bateman's comments "GROSS" and dismissing the episode as "one of the worst pieces of media of all time." Many highlighted the broader issue of women's reproductive choices being questioned.

"Btw, if a woman says she doesn't wanna have kids, THEN THATS THE END OF THE STORY," one X user emphasized. "Saying 'maybe you'll change your mind when you get married...' is GROSS."

While the SmartLess format involves hosts being unprepared for guests (Bateman wasn't alone in not knowing about Charli's marriage), the backlash focuses on his persistent line of questioning. Representatives for both stars have remained silent.

Charli herself handled the moment with grace, telling Bateman: "I knew immediately where you were going to go and how I was going to respond, so I was looking forward to it."