Roseanne Reconsidered?
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:28 pm
**Roseanne Barr: A Case Study in Cancel Culture**
Comedian and actress Roseanne Barr, a figure of renewed attention, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding cancel culture. In 2018, Barr experienced a career resurgence with the revival of her popular 90s sitcom, *Roseanne*, on ABC. The show, and Barr herself, garnered support from conservatives, including a congratulatory call from then-President Donald Trump.
However, a single tweet sent by Barr led to swift and decisive consequences. The tweet, posted at 2 a.m., targeted Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to President Barack Obama. The message, which compared Jarrett to a combination of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes, was widely condemned as racist. ABC immediately canceled the show, citing the tweet's incompatibility with their values.
In the aftermath, Barr faced widespread criticism and was largely ostracized by mainstream media. She has since aligned herself with conservative platforms, including a comedy special on Fox Nation and contributions to a Daily Wire cartoon show. Barr maintains that her tweet was not intentionally racist, claiming she was unaware of Jarrett's race and that her comment was a political critique, not a racial one.
Recently, Barr appeared on "Rising" to promote a new documentary about her life, *Roseanne Barr Is America*. During the interview, she discussed the controversial tweet at length. The conversation, which included tough questions from co-host Lindsey Granger, a moderate liberal and a black woman, offered a platform for Barr to share her perspective.
BNN's Perspective:
While the tweet was undeniably offensive and insensitive, the speed and severity of the response highlight the complexities of cancel culture. The lack of opportunity for Barr to explain or address the controversy, coupled with the show's immediate cancellation, raises questions about the balance between accountability and due process. While the tweet was wrong, the swiftness of the punishment, without allowing for a response, is something to consider.
Keywords:
Roseanne Barr, cancel culture, ABC, Valerie Jarrett, Donald Trump, racism, tweet, media, conservative, political, controversy, comedy, actress, Roseanne (TV show)