American TV network ABC has cancelled its top-rated rebooted comedy, Roseanne, following a controversial tweet by its star.
Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, confirmed the show’s cancellation in a blunt, straightforward statement. ABC Television Group is owned by parent company Disney.
“Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” said Dungey.
Chairman and CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, tweeted that there was no other choice.
The move came after Roseanne Barr tweeted a comment (now deleted) about former president Obama aide Valerie Jarrett. (It can be seen in a screengrab, below.)
The tweet was widely considered racist, since Jarrett is an African-American woman and Barr made a comparison to an ape. The assertion that she has a connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, which she does not, also sparked intense anger on social media and calls to boycott or cancel the show.
In Canada, CTV pulled “Roseanne” from its television and streaming platforms.
WATCH: Sitcom ‘Roseanne’ has been cancelled by ABC after Roseanne Barr posted a controversial tweet.
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Barr is a noted fan of U.S. President Donald Trump — as is her sitcom character — and has made many acerbic comments about former President Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Amid the backlash, Barr followed up with an apology.
“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.”
WATCH: Sitcom ‘Roseanne’ has been cancelled by ABC after Roseanne Barr posted a controversial tweet.
WATCH: Sitcom ‘Roseanne’ has been cancelled by ABC after Roseanne Barr posted a controversial tweet
She then said she was leaving Twitter, but it was unclear if she meant for the day or permanently. So far, she has not publicly commented on the cancellation.
Jarrett responded to the controversy ahead of a town hall on MSNBC focusing on “Everyday Racism.”
“I think we have to turn it into a teaching moment,” Valerie Jarrett told NBC News.
“I’m fine, I’m worried about all the people out there who don’t have a circle of friends and followers who come right to their defence,” Jarrett continued, listing examples such as when people cross the street when seeing black people.
WATCH: People react to news of “Roseanne” cancellation after racist tweet
Sara Gilbert, the actor who played Barr’s daughter Darlene on the once-beloved series, tweeted her disappointment with the abrupt cancellation, but also said she understood the decision. (Gilbert was also a producer on the show.)
Many social-media users and celebrities were calling for the cancellation or the firing of Barr on Tuesday, prior to the cancellation announcement.
After the show’s axing was announced, accolades poured in.
Roughly two weeks ago, Roseanne co-showrunner Whitney Cummings announced she was leaving the show, citing schedule conflicts. Now, amid the backlash and immediately following Barr’s tweet, consulting producer and renowned comedian Wanda Sykes said that she wouldn’t be returning to the show. (It’s unclear if Barr’s tweet was the impetus or if it was coincidental timing.)
On Monday, Barr erroneously tweeted that presidential daughter Chelsea Clinton was married to Democratic donor George Soros’ nephew; Clinton is actually married to Marc Mezvinsky, an American investment banker.
Clinton was swift to correct Barr, and the comedian apologized.
Michael Ausiello, founder and editor-in-chief of TVLine.com, reported that Barr’s talent agency ICM Partners has fired her as a client as result of her tweet.
“On behalf of all the writers and producers, we worked incredibly hard to create an amazing show,” said series showrunner Bruce Helford in a statement. “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.”
The Roseanne reboot was the top-performing show on network TV, and was set to air its 11th season this fall.
*with files from Rebecca Joseph
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