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Hollywood Reacts to Roseanne Cancellation
ABC pulled the plug following Roseanne Barr's racist tweet
In a stunning move, ABC has canceled the Roseanne revival after Roseanne Barr made another yet offensive comment on social media. In a now-deleted tweet, Barr called former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett an ape and compared her to an Islamist organization before issuing an apology and announcing that she's leaving Twitter. However, the damage was done and ABC pulled the plug on the planned second season of the highly successful Roseanne revival. (It should be noted that Barr has a lengthy history of saying racist, homophobic and transphobic things.)
In the wake of the show's cancellation, many are taking to Twitter to praise ABC for cutting ties with Barr, including Roseanne actress Emma Kenney, who played Roseanne's granddaughter on the comedy.
"As I called my manager to quit working on Roseanne, I found out the show got cancelled. I feel so empowered by @iamwandasykes , Channing Dungey and those at ABC standing up against abuse of power and lack of values. Bullies do not win. Ever," Kenney wrote in a now-deleted tweet.
Barr's ex-husband Tom Arnold, Speechless star Minnie Driver, director Ava DuVernay, actress Aisha Tyler and many others spoke out to share their support of 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
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
So proud of @ABCNetwork for having the ethical compunction to cancel #Rosanne despite the show's huge numbers. We too make a show about a middle class family , come and watch us instead #speechless @Speechless_ABC ✨
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) May 29, 2018
Thank you, Channing. Thank you @ABCNetwork. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/jvA7l71HJS
— Bellamy Young (@BellamyYoung) May 29, 2018
Thank you, @ABCNetwork for doing the right thing and for showing people that bigotry and racism has consequences. Now, if you could only cancel our President for the same reason. #RoseanneBarred
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 29, 2018
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."
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 29, 2018
There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.
I'm glad that @ABCNetwork took a stand. We as a country can and will be better. More welcoming, more inclusive. We reach so many people in the entertainment industry. We can be a voice for good.
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) May 29, 2018
We can, and will, become once again that beacon on a hill. ✨
I'm glad Roseanne is canceled.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) May 29, 2018
The backlash to its cancellation is going to be a deafening nightmare.
Nothing good has come of this entire thing.
When you have a seat at the table, you have a say in the decisions that are made. When it's your table, you make the decisions. "Roseanne canceled after star's RACIST comments." #ChanningDungey #ABC Entertainment President https://t.co/iqgONSjJU0 pic.twitter.com/zKeQL7NwVL
— Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) May 29, 2018
Before ABC cut Roseanne loose, many were already denouncing Barr's comments and putting pressure on ABC to take action. Wanda Sykes was among them, announcing that she would not be returning as a writer and consulting producer next season. Others to speak out included Barr's TV daughter, Sara Gilbert, and Will & Grace star Debra Messing.
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
THIS!!!!!!!! @DisneyStudios FIRED an African American sports commentator for a comment ( that wasn't even close to roseanne's). @therealroseanne should be fired if @DisneyStudios is going to have integrity. https://t.co/GF0x6GnAQu
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) May 29, 2018
.@ABCNetwork your SILENCE on #Roseanne and her RACIST comments is DEAFENING.
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) 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.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) May 29, 2018
Even in the Age of Trump, there are red lines that can never be crossed. This is one.