Jason Bateman recently opened up about his relationship with his sister, Justine Bateman, shedding light on their dynamics amid public speculation over their differing political views. In an interview with Esquire, the “Zootopia 2” star provided insight into why he and Justine do not often see each other. “There isn’t the typical ‘We see each other every Thanksgiving or every Christmas,’” he noted, adding, “In a great way, our conversations resemble the rich dialogues you would have with an adult friend rather than the trivial exchanges typical of siblings.”
Bateman emphasized the mutual respect they share, stating, “We hang out, and we’re nice to each other because we respect one another as individuals regardless of the blood thing.” He mentioned that they have plans for lunch the following week, indicating that they maintain what he considers a healthy relationship despite the distance.
Their relationship has been scrutinized due to Justine’s support of Donald Trump, juxtaposed against Jason’s past criticisms of Trump and his supporters. Recently, Justine addressed the public’s fascination with their sibling dynamic via a post on X, stating, “I’m not interested in your fantasy about some imagined conflict between the two of us over your political ideologies.” Her statement highlighted her desire to deflect speculation about their relationship, asserting that discussions around it often stem from political fantasies rather than reality.
In a prior appearance on “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” Jason joked about his fascination with Trump, referring to it as an “addiction.” He commented on the societal implications of Trump’s presidency, expressing concern for those who continue to support him. “It’s tragic that I think the people who are least equipped to bear what the Trump administration is going to yield are also a lot of the folks that voted for him,” he lamented.
The Bateman siblings both began their careers as child actors, with Jason playing James on “Little House on the Prairie,” while Justine portrayed Mallory on “Family Ties.” Reflecting on their early experiences, Jason recalled that they shared a “peer relationship” with their parents as they transitioned into their respective careers, the past noticeably shaping their present dynamics.
While the two have touched upon their relationship in interviews before, Jason’s recent comments reveal a clear understanding that familial bonds can exist independently of political disagreements. Jason once stated on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast that “you’re not handcuffed because of the blood,” indicating a belief that relationships require effort and mutual respect to thrive. This sentiment suggests that despite their differing ideologies and busy lives, a foundation of camaraderie and respect remains integral to their bond.