Entertainment

‘Roseanne made a choice. A racist one. ABC made a choice. A human one.’

Celebrities, activists, and co-stars react to the "Roseanne" news.

Roseanne Barr and John Goodman in a scene from the comedy series "Roseanne."

By The Associated Press

2 minutes to read

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.

https://twitter.com/therealroseanne/status/1001471669641216005

https://twitter.com/therealroseanne/status/1001470384556752898

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“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.”

“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.

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1001478776855801857

“you can take @RoseanneOnABC out of racism but you can’t take the racism out of @therealroseanne …” — Don Cheadle, via Twitter.

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https://twitter.com/ava/status/1001523239691010049

“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.

https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/1001522829748301825

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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“I am hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed. The racist and distasteful comments from Roseanne are inexcusable.” ‘Roseanne’ co-star Emma Kenney, via Twitter.