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Roseanne reboot cancelled after racist tweet
The Roseanne reboot has been cancelled by American network ABC following star Roseanne Barr’s controversial tweet about former Obama administration adviser Valerie Jarrett.
Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger confirmed the news on Twitter, voicing support of the network’s decision.
From Channing Dungey, President of ABC Entertainment: “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.”
There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 29, 2018
The 65-year-old actress has also been dropped by her talent agency, ICM Partners.
“We are all greatly distressed by the disgraceful and unacceptable tweet from Roseanne Barr this morning.
“What she wrote is antithetical to our core values, both as individuals and as an agency,” the company wrote in an internal note to all employees.
“Consequently, we have notified her that we will not represent her. Effective immediately, Roseanne Barr is no longer a client.”
On Monday evening, Barr responded to a conspiracy thread about reputed “secrets” within former President Barack Obama’s administration and the alleged involvement of his former adviser, Valerie Jarrett, in a cover-up.
In a now-deleted tweet, Barr wrote, “muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby.”
Many immediately took offense at Barr’s tweet, since Jarrett is an African-American who grew up in Iran.
The Roseanne star initially defended her statement, calling the tweet a “joke.” In another tweet, the actress responded to those calling her racist.
It’s a joke-
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) May 29, 2018
ISLAM is not a RACE, lefties. Islam includes EVERY RACE of people.
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) May 29, 2018
But Barr soon backed down and issued an apology to the former adviser before announcing that she was leaving Twitter.
I apologize. I am now leaving Twitter.
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) May 29, 2018
I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste.
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) May 29, 2018
The apology wasn’t enough to save her show.
Barr is no stranger to controversy these days, primarily regarding her outspoken support of President Trump.
Her comments in recent months did little to hurt her brand — in fact, the reboot of her ABC sitcom enjoyed a ratings spike and was picked up for another season.
Sara Gilbert, Emma Kenney, and Michael Fishman are a few of Barr’s cast members who have reacted online.
Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least.
— sara gilbert (@THEsaragilbert) May 29, 2018
This is incredibly sad and difficult for all of us, as we’ve created a show that we believe in, are proud of, and that audiences love— one that is separate and apart from the opinions and words of one cast member.
— sara gilbert (@THEsaragilbert) May 29, 2018
I am hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed. The racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable.
— Emma Kenney (@EmmaRoseKenney) May 29, 2018
— Michael Fishman (@ReelMFishman) May 29, 2018
Before the network announced its decision, Wanda Sykes, who served as a consulting producer for the Roseanne reboot, declared that she wouldn’t return for the next season.
I will not be returning to @RoseanneOnABC.
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) May 29, 2018
Several celebrities — including Barr’s ex-husband, Tom Arnold — have shared their thoughts via Twitter, both before and after ABC’s decision.
Ton of respect for Bob Iger. Tough decision with financial consequences for his company but right for America….umm..now don’t bug Bob but maybe someone else find out if I’m still banned from all of @ABCNetwork for calling Roseanne Barr out first on her racist conspiracy tweets?
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) May 29, 2018
I am repulsed that Valerie Jarret had that racist and bigoted “joke” made at her expense and I am sickened that any Black or Muslim person has to keep hearing this sickness in 2018.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) May 29, 2018
The comparison by Rosanne Barr on ABC of Former Obama aide, Valerie Jarrett to an APE is racist and inexcusable. ABC must take action NOW!
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 29, 2018
Hey @ABC, Roseanne Barr compared Valerie Jarrett to an ape. There is no apology she can make that justifies @ABC turning a blind eye to this bigotry by airing another second of her show.
Even in the Age of Trump, there are red lines that can never be crossed. This is one.— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) May 29, 2018
For the record, this is Channing Dungey. Sitting on top of your world like a Queen in full judgement of your garbage and taking it out. #Roseanne pic.twitter.com/GxEP2B61uq
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 29, 2018
I’m glad Roseanne is canceled.
The backlash to its cancellation is going to be a deafening nightmare.
Nothing good has come of this entire thing.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) May 29, 2018
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, also applauded ABC’s decision to cancel Roseanne.
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