Michael Fishman Defends Cancellation of "Roseanne" Revival After Barr's Racist Tweet

Actor Michael Fishman, who played D.J. Conner on the original "Roseanne" and its 2018 revival, posted a video on Instagram criticizing a follower who defended Roseanne Barr’s racist remark. He described the defense as "ignorant and inaccurate" and said the network’s decision to cancel the show was justified.

Fishman noted that while freedom of speech is protected in the United States, it does not eliminate responsibility or consequences. He added that Barr’s comment, which compared former White House adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape, was "reprehensible and intolerable" and that the show’s cancellation was appropriate.

The revival had debuted to strong ratings in March 2018 and was quickly renewed for a second season, but ABC pulled the series in late May after Barr’s tweet. Fishman said the remarks of one individual should not be taken as representative of the entire cast, emphasizing his personal commitment to inclusivity. He concluded the video by stating he would not continue discussing the controversy, though he still feels compassion for Barr.