Jason Bateman Stumbles into 'Arrested Development' Controversy

Arrested Development star Jason Bateman prompted a backlash Wednesday after his comments in an interview seemed to defend the abusive behavior of co-star Jeffrey Tambor. Bateman has since apologized and insists that he definitely does not condone what Tambor allegedly did.

Via Us Weekly.

Jason Bateman is changing his tune. The actor has responded to the backlash he received on Wednesday, May 23, after defending his Arrested Development costar Jeffrey Tambor for his alleged behavior on the set of the comedy.

“Based on listening to the NYT interview and hearing people’s thoughts online, I realize that I was wrong here. I sound like I’m condoning yelling at work. I do not. It sounds like I’m excusing Jeffery. I do not. It sounds like I’m insensitive to Jessica. I am not,” Bateman, 49, tweeted on Thursday. “In fact, I’m horrified that I wasn’t more aware of how this incident affected her. I was so eager to let Jeffrey know that he was supported in his attempt to learn, grow and apologize that I completely underestimated the feelings of the victim, another person I deeply love – and she was sitting right there!”

Now the story of the cast who came back together and the streaming service who had no choice but to throw them a party. This is the Arrested Development Season 5 Premiere. #AD5

A post shared by Arrested Development (@arresteddevelopment) on May 18, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT

Just hours earlier, the New York Times released an interview the publication conducted with the Ozark star and his Arrested Development costars — including Jessica Walter. Walter, who has claimed in the past that Tambor, 73, verbally harassed her on set, was reportedly visibly upset when Bateman seemingly minimized Tambor’s alleged behavior.

What has he always said is the most important thing? #AD5

A post shared by Arrested Development (@arresteddevelopment) on May 10, 2018 at 11:05am PDT

“I’m incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry to have done that to Jessica,” Bateman continued via Twitter. “This is a big learning moment for me. I shouldn’t have tried so hard to mansplain, or fix a fight, or make everything okay. I should’ve focused more on what the most important part of it all is – there’s never any excuse for abuse, in any form, from any gender. And, the victim’s voice needs to be heard and respected. Period. I didn’t say that and instead said a bunch of other stuff and not very well. I deeply, and sincerely, apologize.”

Get the rest of the story at Us Weekly.

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