Well, folks, it’s official. The hit revival of the 1980s sitcom Roseanne is over—thanks to a racist tweet from its star, Roseanne Barr. The show, which had everyone buzzing after its triumphant return, came to a screeching halt when ABC pulled the plug on May 29. Let’s break down what happened and how everyone reacted.
ABC's Decision: A Line in the Sand
ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey didn’t mince words when she announced the network’s decision to cancel the show. “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant, and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” she said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This wasn’t just about one tweet—it was about drawing a line in the sand and standing firm on the values the network represents.
The Tweet That Sparked the Firestorm
It all started earlier that day when Roseanne Barr tweeted something offensive about Valerie Jarrett, a former top aide to President Barack Obama. The now-deleted tweet compared Jarrett to a child born from the “Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes.” Now, that’s some heavy stuff, and it didn’t take long for the backlash to roll in.
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Roseanne later tried to apologize, saying, “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.” She even announced she was leaving Twitter, but the damage was already done. It’s hard to take back words once they’re out there, especially in the age of social media.
The Fallout: Losing Representation and Cast Reactions
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, Roseanne Barr’s talent agency, ICM Partners, dropped her too. In an internal memo, the company stated, “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. Consequently, we have notified her that we will not represent her. Effective immediately, Roseanne Barr is no longer a client.”
What About the Cast?
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the cast. Wanda Sykes, who was set to join the show, immediately backed out after Roseanne’s tweets. Sara Gilbert, who played Roseanne’s daughter Darlene Conner, also weighed in. “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,” she wrote. “I am disappointed in her actions to say the least. 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.”
Emma Kenney, who played Harris, Sara Gilbert’s on-screen daughter, also shared her thoughts. “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.” She later added, “I am hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed. The racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable.”
This story is still unfolding, so stay tuned for more updates.
