Despite its stratospheric ratings, ABC has announced the cancellation of Roseanne in the wake of the controversy surrounding a racist tweet posted by the star early this morning.
Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment released the following statement: “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.”
The tweet that started it all compared President Barack Obama White House advisor Valerie Jarrett to an ape.
“Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj,” Roseanne wrote, using Jarrett’s initials while replying to a tweet which accused Jarrett of helping to cover up alleged misdeeds for the Obama administration.
When she was called out for being racist, Roseanne answered, “Muslims R NOT a race.” After first tweeting that her first tweet was a “joke” she deleted the offending missive and offered 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.” Afterwhich she swore to quit twitter.
The reaction to Roseanne’s tweet was swift. The fallout included producer/writer Wanda Sykes tweeting that she would not be returning for a second season. After Roseanne’s tweet, show writer and consulting producer Wanda Sykes, tweeted that she would not be returning for the second season. “I will not be returning to @RoseanneOnABC,” she wrote.
Cast member and producer Sara Gilbert also responded: “Roseanne’s recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least.”
Considering the impressive ratings for the Roseanne reboot, it’s a little surprising the network is pulling the plug. Usually money talks talks talks and everything else? Well you know… For the record, Roseanne finished the season as the No. 1 scripted series on all of broadcast. The comedy averaged a 5.5 rating in the key 18-49 key demo and 19 million viewers.
But what was ABC expecting? At the time the network announced Roseanne was returning to TV, having actually peeked at her twitter feed, I thought “GOOD LUCK WITH THAT.” Her bilous racism and tendency to amplify the worst conspiracy theories was NO SECRET.
Probably ABC realizes the controversies will never end if they go ahead with another season. It appears that Roseanne has no self control. Sorta like that guy in the White House she supports.
