SmartLess has faced online criticism following an exchange between co-host Jason Bateman and guest Charli XCX that some listeners felt placed undue focus on her personal choice not to have children.

Charli XCX appeared on the podcast to promote her upcoming film The Moment and spoke about growing up as an only child, describing supportive parents who encouraged her music career from a young age. She reflected on how not having siblings meant she learned to manage conflict later in life.

During the conversation, Bateman asked the 33-year-old singer whether she wanted to have one child or several. Charli responded, “I actually don’t really want to have kids.” She added, “That could change. I love the fantasy of having a child, like naming it sounds so fun. But that is exactly a sign to me as to why I should not have one, the fact that that feels like the coolest part about it. Maybe I’m not ready.”

Bateman replied by referencing his own experience, saying, “I mean, I guess I’m backing into giving myself a half-assed compliment here, but my wife did not want to have kids, so the story goes. She said once we started going out she thought, ‘OK, I think I can have a kid with this guy.’ So you might find somebody.” Charli responded, “Well, I’m married,” prompting Bateman to joke, “There you go. I gotta read a newspaper one of these days.”

Although the exchange remained light in tone, some fans criticised it online, arguing that it reinforced expectations around motherhood and questioned Bateman’s preparedness as a host. Others noted that limited prior research is a known feature of SmartLess, where guests are often introduced without the full knowledge of all three hosts.

The podcast’s informal format has contributed to its popularity and commercial success, but the episode highlighted how spontaneous questioning can also attract scrutiny.