Why Do People Hate Jason Bateman?
Jason Bateman is an American actor, director, and producer who has been working in the entertainment industry since the early 1980s. He is best known for his comedic roles in shows like “Arrested Development,” “The Hogan Family,” and “Ozark.”
While Bateman has had a successful career spanning over 40 years, he has faced some backlash and criticism over the years from certain groups. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main reasons why some people have expressed dislike or hatred towards Jason Bateman.
What Controversies Has Jason Bateman Been Involved In?
Jason Bateman has been involved in a few controversies over his long career that have led some people to have a negative opinion of him. Here are some of the main controversies:
The 2018 New York Times Interview
One of the biggest controversies happened in 2018 when Bateman gave an interview to the New York Times alongside his “Ozark” co-star Laura Linney. In the interview, Bateman attempted to defend fellow actor Jeffrey Tambor who had been accused of verbal harassment on the set of “Arrested Development.”
Bateman minimized the accusations against Tambor, saying that a lot of what happens on sets is “thin-skinned” people misinterpreting creative personalities.
This led to a huge backlash on social media with people accusing Bateman of being an apologist for verbal abuse. Bateman later issued an apology saying he was “incredibly embarrassed” by his comments.
Physical Altercation with Clifton Collins Jr.
In 2014, reports surfaced that Bateman had gotten into a physical altercation with actor Clifton Collins Jr. on the set of “Hancock.”
Collins later confirmed the incident and said Bateman had “attacked” him when he made a comment about Bateman’s wife. He suggested Bateman may have anger management issues.
Comments About Women Audiences
In 2013, when promoting his film “Identity Thief,” Bateman commented in an interview that the main audience for comedies tended to be men and that films often included raunchy humor to appeal to male audiences. His comments were attacked for being dismissive of women in comedy.
DUI Arrest
In 2001, Bateman was arrested for a DUI in California after he ran over a mailbox while intoxicated. The incident led to some criticism and a negative image for engaging in reckless criminal behavior.
What are Some of Jason Bateman’s Most Controversial Moments?
Here is an overview of some of Jason Bateman’s other controversial incidents and moments that have sparked criticism:
- In 2005, he made a joke about adopting an Asian baby that was slammed as inappropriate racial humor.
- In 2013, he yelled profanities at a mother and daughter taking his photograph in New York, losing his temper on the street.
- He appeared in a 2009 American Express commercial that some argued promoted racial stereotypes about taxi drivers.
- In 2005, at an awards show he made a crude sexual joke about having a threesome with the Olsen twins, who were teenagers at the time.
- During promotion for “The Change-Up” in 2011, he made comments about women letting themselves go after having kids that were criticized as sexist.
- He was photographed smoking on several occasions in the 2000s when smoking had become socially unacceptable.
- In 2004, he got into a dispute with a homeless man in Los Angeles who approached his car, with some saying Bateman overreacted.
- In 2008, he made an off-color joke about retired porn star Jenna Jameson while presenting at the AVN Awards.
What Are Some Reasons People Dislike Jason Bateman’s Acting?
While Jason Bateman has succeeded as an actor and comedian, some critics and viewers have expressed issues with his acting skills and characters over the years:
Perceived Lack of Range
Some critics argue Bateman essentially plays the same character type – the sardonic, cynical straight man – in many of his films and shows, lacking emotional range and versatility as an actor. They feel he relies more on dry, sarcastic delivery than tapping into different notes.
Underwhelming Leading Man
Though he has top-billed some theatrical films like “The Change-Up,” “The Kingdom,” and “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,” Bateman has failed to establish himself as a major A-list film star over the decades. His understated presence lacks the charisma and magnetism expected of leading men.
Dislike of His Comedic Persona
While many enjoy Bateman’s deadpan, biting humor, others find his comedic persona to be one-note, nasty, and unlikable rather than charming. His characters often lack empathy and depth.
Perception He Plays Unsavory Characters
Many of Bateman’s most famous roles like Michael Bluth in “Arrested Development” and Marty Byrde in “Ozark” are smug, cynical, scheming antiheroes. Some critics believe he excels at bringing these unethical personalities to life.
Underwhelming Dramatic Work
Though capable in comedy, Bateman is arguably less adept at sincerely connecting with audiences in dramatic roles. Performances in films like “The Gift” and “Disconnect” have been called flat and disengaging when trying for more serious fare.
What Are Some Reasons People Dislike Jason Bateman Personally?
Apart from his work, Jason Bateman has exhibited some personality traits, behaviors, and attitudes over the years that have led to a negative perception of him personally:
Perceived Arrogance
Bateman often comes across as arrogant in interviews, conveying a sense of superiority and looking down on others he views as less talented or intelligent than himself. Many find this conceited attitude off-putting.
Lack of Filter
Bateman has made questionable comments over the years and seems to lack a filter when speaking publicly. His bluntness and crude sense of humor rub some the wrong way.
Anger Issues
The physical altercation with Clifton Collins Jr. and other temper flare ups suggest Bateman may have anger management problems. He loses his cool in ways that disturb and intimidate people.
Minimizing Abuse
Bateman’s comments defending Jeffrey Tambor against harassment allegations highlighted his tendency to minimize abuse, which offended many who felt he excused toxic behavior.
Disloyalty to “Arrested Development” Cast
Some saw Bateman’s criticism of Jessica Walter’s reaction to Tambor’s abuse as a betrayal, as he seemed to side with Tambor over his longtime co-star. This disgusted fans of the show.
Lack of Principles
Bateman has seemingly put career advancement over principles given his continued support for Tambor despite the allegations against him. This leads some to see Bateman as an opportunist.
Womanizing Behavior
Stories of Bateman from his early career paint him as a partying womanizer, cheating on his girlfriend while also coming on strong to other women in unprofessional ways.
Do People Still Hate Jason Bateman?
While Jason Bateman has certainly had controversies throughout his long career that have made him unpopular with some audiences, in recent years it seems much of the intense criticism and hatred towards him has dissipated. Here are some reasons why the animosity has faded:
Minimal Controversy Recently
In the last few years, Bateman has avoided major scandals or gaffes, keeping a lower profile away from the public eye and doing fewer interviews. This period out of the spotlight has cooled tempers.
Family Man Image
As he has gotten older, Bateman has cultivated more of a family man persona as a father and devoted husband. This makes him seem less like the arrogant bad boy of his early career.
Directorial Work
Bateman’s successful directing work on films like “Bad Words” and episodes of “Ozark” has given him artistic credibility. His talents behind the camera make him seem more serious.
Emmys Glory with “Ozark”
“Ozark” has brought Bateman the greatest success of his career and won him Emmy awards as both an actor and director. This professional achievement makes past hatred seem petty.
Time Heals Wounds
As is often the case, the passage of time without any new scandals or issues has allowed old grudges against Bateman to gradually fade away as people move on to new entertainment figures to dislike.
Still Has Fans
While he has detractors, Bateman still maintains a sizable fanbase that has followed him for decades. Those fans help counterbalance some of the negative opinion towards him.
Staying Apolitical
In today’s hyper-political climate, Bateman has avoided expressing his political views publicly, sidestepping messy controversies around social issues. This helps him stay palatable to wider audiences.
Conclusion
In summary, Jason Bateman has faced a wave of criticism and hatred throughout his career related to perceived arrogance, troubling incidents, and controversial comments. However, in recent years he seems to have moved into a more respected position in Hollywood, as newer stars take his place as subjects of scorn.
While some still take issue with his past behavior and parts of his persona, Bateman remains a talented comedic actor with fans and professional admiration.
As he moves into the elder statesman phase of his career, the strong negative reactions have faded as attention shifts to newer figures. Bateman is unlikely to ever be universally beloved, but the white-hot hatred he once faced has cooled considerably.
Ultimately, Bateman’s legacy is complex – neither fully redeemed nor deserving of permanent cancellation. Only time will tell how public opinion on him will continue to evolve. But for now, the heights of hatred seem to be behind him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Why People Hate Jason Bateman
What did Jason Bateman say about Jessica Walter?
In 2018, Bateman came under fire for comments he made appearing to defend Jeffrey Tambor after Walter said Tambor verbally harassed her on the set of Arrested Development.
Bateman said Walter’s reaction was “not warranted” and he seemed to excuse Tambor’s behavior as typical actor eccentricity.
Has Jason Bateman been arrested?
Yes, Jason Bateman was arrested in 2001 in California for a DUI after he ran over a mailbox while driving under the influence of alcohol. He had a blood alcohol level of .15 and was charged with misdemeanor DUI.
Is Jason Bateman Republican or Democrat?
Jason Bateman has not publicly revealed his political affiliation. He tends to keep his personal politics private and avoids making statements on partisan political issues.
What did Jason Bateman say about the Olsen twins?
At the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, Bateman stirred controversy with a crude joke about having a threesome with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who were teenagers at the time. The joke was widely criticized as inappropriate.
Why did Jason Bateman and Clifton Collins Jr fight?
On the set of the film Hancock in 2007, Collins and Bateman allegedly got into a physical altercation after Collins made an offensive comment about Bateman’s wife. Collins later criticized Bateman as having anger management issues.
Does Jason Bateman have a criminal record?
Yes, Jason Bateman does have a criminal record due to his 2001 arrest for a DUI in which he ran over a mailbox. He pled no contest and was sentenced to probation along with alcohol education and rehabilitation classes.
What happened to Jason Bateman’s face?
Nothing happened to Jason Bateman’s face. His somewhat aged appearance with a different complexion and thin lips is simply a result of the natural aging process combined with factors like sun exposure and smoking.
Is Jason Bateman friends with the cast of Arrested Development?
While relationships were strained after the Jeffrey Tambor controversy, Bateman appears to still be on good terms with most of his Arrested Development co-stars, including Will Arnett, Tony Hale, David Cross, Portia de Rossi, and Michael Cera.
Who is richer Jason Bateman or Will Arnett?
According to multiple net worth estimators, Jason Bateman’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million while Will Arnett’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million. So as of now, Jason Bateman appears to be the richer of the two.
Is Jason Bateman married?
Yes, Jason Bateman has been married to actress Amanda Anka since 2001. They have two daughters together.
