Jason Bateman Slams Fox News After Backlash from Kennedy and Gutfeld

Hollywood star Jason Bateman, known for his roles in Ozark and Arrested Development, found himself at the center of a heated media storm after comments he made about Trump supporters triggered a fierce backlash from Fox News personalities.

The Comments That Started It All

Bateman, in an appearance on The Best People with Nicole Wallace in June 2025, criticized supporters of former President Donald Trump, calling them “insulated from the facts and common sense.” His remarks caught the attention of conservative commentators, particularly Fox News’ Kennedy (Lisa Kennedy Montgomery), who quickly fired back during a live segment on Gutfeld!

“I really am fascinated. I can’t stop watching and marry that to the fact that there are 80-some million people that would vote again for him tomorrow,” Bateman had said during his earlier interview. However, when the debate reached Fox News, Kennedy responded sharply, telling Bateman: “I just want to say, Jason, Jason, you’re an actor. Okay? Thank you so much, dear, now go ahead and shut your pretty mouth until someone writes some words and then you can open your mouth and say someone else’s words. Until then, shhh.”

Gutfeld and Perino Join the Fray

The response from Kennedy wasn’t the end of the tension. Fellow Gutfeld! host Greg Gutfeld also chimed in, suggesting that Bateman should engage with his sister, Justine Bateman, who has publicly supported Trump. Gutfeld, dismissing Bateman’s opinions, argued: “He should be talking about his sister, Justine Bateman, who has emerged as the clear-eyed, clear-thinking sibling in this family, a defender of common sense and understands the Trump voter. She understands there are other people out there.”

Former White House press secretary Dana Perino also jumped into the debate, saying, “Who was the most insulated last year? It was Joe Biden. So they don’t know why 80 million people would have voted against him? You’re the insulated one.”

The Hollywood Backlash

The controversy wasn’t just confined to the set of Gutfeld! or within the conservative camp. The Hollywood world was divided, with many of Bateman’s fans expressing disappointment over the sharp responses from Fox News hosts. Some fans defended Bateman’s right to speak his mind, while others felt that celebrities should refrain from discussing political issues publicly.

On the other hand, conservative figures and Fox News supporters praised Kennedy, Gutfeld, and Perino for their direct and unfiltered responses to Bateman. Many argued that Hollywood celebrities like Bateman live in a bubble and should not be pushing their personal political views onto the public. “We don’t care what you think, alright? Perform, entertain us. That’s it,” said Paul Mauro, another conservative commentator who appeared on The Five. “Only an idiot would read off a teleprompter,” he added, emphasizing the irrelevance of Bateman’s opinions in the political discourse.

Is Bateman’s Political Stance Alienating His Fans?

The fiery exchange has sparked a broader discussion about the role of celebrities in political discourse. While many view Bateman’s criticisms as a genuine attempt to speak out against the former president, others argue that his public stance alienates a large portion of his audience. The tension is reflective of a larger divide in Hollywood, where outspoken liberal figures have frequently found themselves in conflict with conservative media personalities, creating a widening gap in the public’s perception of entertainment and politics.

Bateman, who has often used his platform to speak out on social issues, is no stranger to controversy. But his involvement in the ongoing debate about Trump’s supporters has made him an even more divisive figure. Supporters of Trump have criticized Bateman for his perceived elitism, accusing him of being out of touch with everyday Americans.

The Role of Celebrities in Political Discourse

Bateman’s clash with Fox News is just one example of the broader conversation surrounding celebrities and their influence on political discourse. In recent years, stars like Bateman have become more vocal about their political beliefs, while conservative voices argue that Hollywood figures should stick to their craft and leave politics out of the equation.

At the same time, Bateman’s remarks and the reaction from conservative media highlight a deeper cultural divide. While many in Hollywood feel compelled to use their platforms to raise awareness on political issues, others believe it is more important to focus on art and entertainment. This debate has only become more pronounced in the current political climate, where every public statement made by a celebrity can trigger a firestorm.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Jason Bateman?

As the media continues to digest the fallout from Bateman’s comments and the subsequent responses from Fox News, the question remains: what’s next for the actor? Will he continue to speak out on political issues, or will he focus on his work in Hollywood? The way this situation unfolds may have lasting effects on his career, and his relationship with his fans.

For now, one thing is certain: the clash between Jason Bateman and Fox News has sparked an important conversation about the intersection of politics, entertainment, and public influence. Whether you agree or disagree with Bateman’s views, this exchange has highlighted the role that media and celebrity opinions play in shaping public discourse today. It also underscores the growing tensions between Hollywood and conservative media, a divide that shows no sign of closing anytime soon.