Roseanne Barr responded sharply to former television co-star Michael Fishman after he publicly criticized her past social media posts, telling the actor to “stay f–ked” during a recent public appearance. Barr addressed Fishman’s remarks following years of estrangement between the former on-screen family members.
Roseanne Barr Responds to Michael Fishman’s Public Criticism
The public feud reignited when Barr reacted to comments made by Fishman, who played her youngest son, D.J. Conner, on the ABC sitcom Roseanne and its spinoff The Conners. According to Page Six, Barr delivered the blunt dismissal during a live comedy engagement after a fan asked about Fishman’s decision to distance himself from her following her 2018 firing from the network.
Fishman previously issued statements condemning Barr’s controversial tweets, which ultimately led to ABC canceling the successful revival of Roseanne in May 2018. While ABC continued the franchise without Barr under the title The Conners, Fishman appeared for the first four seasons before departing the series in 2022. At the time of his departure and in subsequent interviews, Fishman emphasized a personal commitment to inclusivity and stated that her online statements did not reflect his values.
Background of the Sitcom Rift
The fracture within the fictional Conner family highlights the ongoing fallout from the network’s sudden cancellation of the 2018 revival. Roseanne returned to television with massive ratings, drawing more than 18 million viewers for its premiere episode. However, the network pulled the plug immediately after Barr posted a racially insensitive tweet targeting former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett.
According to reports from The Daily Beast, Barr later apologized for the post, attributing the comment to a combination of sleep deprivation and the influence of Ambien, though network executives rejected the explanation and severed ties immediately. While other cast members, including Sara Gilbert and John Goodman, negotiated the continuation of the show without its central star, Fishman was among the most vocal cast members regarding the hurt caused by the remarks.
Current Status of the Former Co-Stars
Neither Barr nor Fishman has announced any plans for professional reconciliation. Barr continues to perform stand-up comedy and tour independently, frequently addressing her departure from network television and her political views. Fishman has focused on directing and production work behind the camera since leaving The Conners in 2022, maintaining distance from the original sitcom’s principal cast.
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