The cast of Arrested Development gave a group interview to the New York Times that was published online yesterday, in which the subject of Jeffrey Tambor’s alleged abuses on the set of Transparent naturally came up. The men of Arrested Development, especially Jason Bateman, were rightfully criticized for their quickness to defend Tambor when Jessica Walter tearfully spoke about verbal harassment that Tambor subjected her to. Now, Bateman has issued an apology on Twitter, writing that he is “horrified that I wasn’t more aware of how this incident affected [Walter],” and “incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry” for his handling of the interview. Read the full statement below.
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.
In fact, I’m-— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018
– 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..— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018
… sitting right there!
I’m incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry to have done that to Jessica. 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…— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018
…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.— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018
So far, Netflix has strongly stood by Tambor in the wake of the Transparent allegations. The new season of Arrested Development arrives May 29.
Update (5/24 12:20 p.m.) Arrested Development cast member Tony Hale (Buster Bluth) has also issued a statement explaining that he apologized to Walter personally for things “both said and unsaid” in the Times article regarding Tambor’s treatment of her.
I have reached out to Jessica personally to apologize. Arrested Development is one of my families. Regardless of my intentions, it is clear that my words, both said and unsaid, served to minimize Jessica’s pain and for that I am extremely sorry.
— Tony Hale (@MrTonyHale) May 24, 2018
