Can We Expect a Hollywood ‘Roseanne’ Boycott Next?
The fawning period over the “Roseanne” reboot’s sky-high ratings is over.
Yes, the reboot already has a second season in the works. And, chances are, the ratings will fall some but remain strong for the near future.
That isn’t stopping some Hollywood players and media outlets from making “Roseanne” their new target. Why? Barr made sure her iconic character now supports President Donald Trump loud and proud.
And if you think celebrity blowback is inconsequential, just ask Laura Ingraham. Her show is teetering on the brink of destruction after she shared an oh, so mild Tweet aimed at Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg. Her apology didn’t help.
Leftists and their Hollywood peers went into attack mode, demanding advertisters flee the conservative’s Fox News show.
And Leftists mean business. Always. Are “Roseanne” related boycotts the next logical step? ABC … you’ve been warned.
Take This Threat Seriously
Let’s start with Dean Obeidallah. The liberal columnist and SiriuxXM host shredded both Roseanne Barr and ABC for even airing the reboot in the first place. Why? The show now features a Trump-friendly main character along with other souls aghast at the current Commander in Chief.
After all, Trump and Barr have much in common when it comes to spewing bigotry and intolerance. What is surprising is the apparent blind eye turned by the people who have brought us this “rebooted” Roseanne — a decision that ABC may regret.
The columnist brings up some of Barr’s baggage, some real, some grossly inflated. Left unsaid: the fury and hate spilled by so many Hollywood stars that never gets scrutiny. Joss Whedon is but one of many examples.
Later, the threat portion of Obeidallah’s column is clear and bold.
Does the network — which is a part of Disney — want to be associated with a person with Barr’s history? Will Disney shareholders — will its advertisers — want it?
That’s how it starts.
Just ask Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. The conservative stars have all faced the Leftish boycott threats. Limbaugh and Hannity have survived (so far). It’s unclear if Ingraham will emerge with her Fox News gig intact. (Editor’s note: This reporter previously worked for Ingraham’s LifeZette web site).
Obeidallah’s column isn’t the only unvarnished attack on “Roseanne” 2.0.
Stars generally avoid attacking each other on social media and elsewhere. There’s a professional courtesy in play. Plus, there’s always the chance one actor might have to work with another at some point. Why create bad blood?
Hollywood Declares War on ‘Roseanne,’ Roseanne
That isn’t stopping some celebrities from sharing their outrage over “Roseanne.” Consider “Shameless” star Emmy Rossum as one example.
Some reviews I’ve been reading that Rosanne is attempting to bridge the gap in this country thru comedy are interesting… but I’m sorry, anyone who voted for A WALL is not trying to BRIDGE anything.
— Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) March 29, 2018
Model Chrissy Teigen dug up the well worn “normalization” card to spice up her outrage.
Argh. Hit show on ABC. we have reached peak normalization. pic.twitter.com/OnEmeh3oxW
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 29, 2018
Holy. Shit. Roseanne was one of my favorite shows growing up… it’s kind of heartbreaking to realize that the people you looked up to as a youngster could be … THIS.
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) March 30, 2018
The strongest attack, so far, comes courtesy of “Will & Grace” star Debra Messing.
@RoseanneOnABC WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. YOU?! This is so vile and hurtful and if you are trying to be provocative in order to get people to watch you’re show, then shame on you. If, however, you think this is cute, or funny, or clever you are a reprehensible human being . #boycott https://t.co/g9OPWcuPDL
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) March 30, 2018
Leftists, buoyed by their potent attacks on Ingraham, might turn their fire on “Roseanne” next. It’s already happening in a small way. The next few weeks, if not days, could see a new front in the culture war.
It might even come from within the show itself:
In the wake of my Roseanne article I’ve been contacted by multiple people at ABC who’ve told me there’s a real discomfort among many of the employees with the propagandist nature of the reboot and a feeling that the project is meant to monetize Trump’s base.
— Jared Yates Sexton (@JYSexton) March 31, 2018