Will Arnett has made a startling revelation about his popular podcast, SmartLess, sharing that he and his co-hosts once had to abruptly end an interview with a well-known comedian due to unacceptable conduct.
Shocking Incident on SmartLess Podcast
During a recent appearance on The Romesh Ranganathan Show, the actor and comedian, famed for roles in Arrested Development and 30 Rock, detailed how a guest on the SmartLess podcast behaved so poorly that the team intervened to cut the session short.
Arnett's Blunt Description of the Guest
Arnett, 55, described the unnamed comedian as a 'f***ing rank a**hole', promising to disclose the identity off-air after cameras and microphones were turned off. He explained that the interview was terminated after just ten minutes, with the hosts politely thanking the guest before ending the recording.
'We cut him off after 10 minutes and said, "Thanks so much", and ditched him,' Arnett recounted, adding a humorous note by joking, 'Cause you'll be like, "How did you get Bill Cosby?"' This comment hinted at the surprising nature of the guest's identity, though it remains undisclosed publicly.
Another Comedian's Request to Not Air Episode
In the same conversation, Arnett mentioned another incident where a different comedian asked the SmartLess team not to broadcast her episode. He recalled the financial implications and the hosts' reassurances to her, noting that she was concerned about her rising career status. Ultimately, the podcasters believed she was talented, and their assessment proved correct.
Recent Controversy Involving Charli XCX Episode
Arnett's comments come amid recent scrutiny of the SmartLess podcast following an episode featuring singer Charli XCX. During that discussion, co-host Jason Bateman made remarks about children and marriage that some listeners criticised as outdated and sexist.
Details of the Charli XCX Discussion
In the episode, Charli XCX, 33, shared that she does not currently want children, citing her enjoyment of naming a child as a potential reason she might not be ready. Bateman responded by sharing a personal story about his wife changing her mind on kids, suggesting Charli might find someone to influence her decision, unaware she is married to The 1975's George Daniel.
This exchange sparked backlash from some audience members, who felt Bateman's comments were inappropriate, though Charli XCX has not publicly addressed the issue.
Background on SmartLess Podcast
Launched in 2020, SmartLess is hosted by Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman. It is promoted as a show that fosters connection through thoughtful dialogue and humour, with episodes featuring high-profile guests like Jennifer Lawrence and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The podcast's format involves one host surprising the others with a mystery guest before engaging in a casual chat, but Arnett's recent disclosure highlights that not all interviews proceed smoothly.
These incidents underscore the challenges podcasters can face with guest behaviour and sensitive topics, reflecting broader discussions in media about professionalism and respect in entertainment.
