Reaction to ABC’s cancellation of its hit reboot of “Roseanne” after star Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet that referred to former Barack Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett as a product of the Muslim Brotherhood and the “Planet of the Apes”:
“Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.” - ABC Entertainment chief Channing Dungey, in a statement.
“There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.” - Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Co. Robert Iger, via Twitter.
“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, via Twitter, before ABC’s decision was announced. In another tweet: “I apologize. I am now leaving Twitter.”
“Don’t feel sorry for me, guys!!-I just want to apologize to the hundreds of people,and wonderful writers (all liberal) and talented actors who lost their jobs on my show due to my stupid tweet.” - Barr in a tweet late Tuesday.
“I’m fine. I’m worried about the people out there who don’t have a circle of friends and followers who come right to their defense.” - Jarrett, speaking during an MSNBC town hall on race Tuesday evening.
“Thank you, @ABCNetwork. You did the right thing. There is not any room in our society for racism or bigotry.” - Civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, via Twitter.
“Roseanne Barr’s comments were appalling and reminiscent of horrific time in our history when racism was not only acceptable but promoted by Hollywood. We applaud ABC for taking a stand against racism by canceling ’Roseanne.’ We commend the network and … Dungey for placing the values of diversity, inclusion and respect for humanity above ratings.” - NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson, in a statement.
“you can take @RoseanneOnABC out of racism but you can’t take the racism out of @therealroseanne …” - Don Cheadle, via Twitter.
“Roseanne Barr’s vicious personal attack on former Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett came out of nowhere and cost Ms. Barr and the entire staff of her program their jobs. @ABC/@Disney could not continue with the show without insulting millions of Americans.” - Bill O’Reilly, via Twitter.
“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 of “The Big Sick,” via Twitter.
“#Rosanne is who she tells you she is with every comment and tweet.” - Josh Gad, via Twitter.
“On behalf of all the writers and producers, we worked incredibly hard to create an amazing show. I was personally horrified and saddened by the comments and in no way do they reflect the values of the people who worked so hard to make this the iconic show that it is.” - ’Roseanne’ executive producer and co-show-runner Bruce Helford, in a statement released through his agent.
“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.” - ICM Partners, Roseanne Barr’s talent agency, in a statement.
“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, via Twitter.
“Thank you Channing Dungey!” - Viola Davis, via Twitter.
“But honestly she got what she deserved. As I tell my 4 year old, one makes a choice with one’s actions. Roseanne made a choice. A racist one. ABC made a choice. A human one.” - Shonda Rhimes, via Twitter.
“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” - Ava DuVernay, via Twitter, with a photo of ABC Entertainment chief Channing Dungey.
“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.” ’’Roseanne” co-star Sara Gilbert, via Twitter. In another tweet: “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.”
“I am hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed. The racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable.” ’Roseanne’ co-star Emma Kenney, via Twitter. In another tweet: “As I called my manager to quit working on Roseanne, I was told it was cancelled. I feel so empowered by @iamwandasykes , Channing Dungey and anyone at ABC standing up for morals and abuse of power. Bullies will NEVER win.”
“I support ABC’s decision to cancel the show in the wake of Roseanne Barr’s most recent reprehensible tweets. Our goal was to promote constructive discussion about the issues that divide us. It represented the work of hundreds of talented people. I hope the good work done is not totally eclipsed by these abhorrent and offensive comments, and that Roseanne seeks the help she so clearly needs.” - statement from “Roseanne” executive producer Tom Werner.
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