Jennifer Aniston issues cheeky response to Bill O’Reilly’s criticism

Jennifer Aniston
Earlier this week, Bill O’Reilly reminded us of Dan Quayle’s 1992 rant against Murphy Brown when he slammed Jennifer Aniston for advocating single parenthood in remarks she made while promoting her upcoming in vitro comedy, The Switch. Aniston’s statement that O’Reilly took offense to was, in part, that “Women are realizing it more and more knowing that they don’t have to settle with a man just to have that child.” O’Reilly countered that we do need men, and for more than just conception. “Jennifer Aniston can hire a battery of people to help her. But she can’t hire a dad. Dads bring a psychology to children that in this society is under emphasized. Men get hosed all day long in the parental arena.”

Then, Keith Olbermann went after O’Reilly personally and claimed that O’Reilly grew up with an abusive father, as if that made him incapable of holding the opinion that single parent households aren’t beneficial to children.

Jennifer Aniston spoke to People Magazine and had some funny remarks to counter O’Reilly’s criticism. She stood by her original statement while agreeing with the opinion that dual parent families are ideal. I’m sure she had help with this, but I really admire the way she phrased her statement. It’s so well worded and pokes fun at O’Reilly in a playful way.

Jennifer Aniston has a few choice words for Bill O’Reilly, who criticized her recent comments about single motherhood.

“Of course, the ideal scenario for parenting is obviously two parents of a mature age. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs on earth,” Aniston tells PEOPLE exclusively. “And, of course, many women dream of finding Prince Charming (with fatherly instincts), but for those who’ve not yet found their Bill O’Reilly, I’m just glad science has provided a few other options.”

Aniston, who is currently starring in The Switch, a film about a woman who gets pregnant using a sperm donor, told reporters recently that women no longer have to wait for the perfect guy to start a family.

“Women are realizing it more and more, knowing that they don’t have to settle with a man just to have that child,” the actress told reporters. “Love is love and family is what is around you and who is in your immediate sphere.”

Last week, on his Fox News show, The O’Reilly Factor, the host called the actress’s comments “destructive to our society,” and accused her of “diminishing the role of the dad.”

“Dads bring a psychology to children that is in this society, I believe, under-emphasized,” he said. “I think men get hosed all day long in the parental arena.”

[From People]

Maybe now we can put this whole controversy to rest. I never quite got the outrage over this issue in the first place, because it just sounded like a throwaway comment that Aniston made that related to her character’s experience on film. I’m not a divorced dad getting shafted in a custody battle either, though. I looked up Bill O’Reilly to see if that might be where his rage is coming from, but he’s still married to his wife of 14 years and they have two children together. He did settle a sexual harassment lawsuit a few years ago and there were allegations of some pretty disgusting things he supposedly said to a former female producer on his show. Not that it’s relevant to this discussion, but it did come up when I did a search to learn more about his home situation.

Header photo of Aniston from 3/11/10. O’Reilly is shown on 5/8/08. Credit: PRPhotos

Photo by: H6023F/AAD/starmaxinc.com 2010  7/21/10 Jennifer Aniston at her fragrance launch for Lolavie at Harrods Department Store. (London, England)  Photo via Newscom

Photo by: H6023F/AAD/starmaxinc.com 2010  7/21/10 Jennifer Aniston at her fragrance launch for Lolavie at Harrods Department Store. (London, England)  Photo via Newscom

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57 Responses to “Jennifer Aniston issues cheeky response to Bill O’Reilly’s criticism”

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  1. embertine says:

    A right wing pundit who doesn’t live up in real life to the views he publicly espouses? GET OUT!

  2. Bite me says:

    So much pr for a movie that going to bomb big time, whatever

  3. SammyHammy says:

    Rage? What rage? He stated his opinion. I hardly think that constitutes “rage.”

    And Embertine, what do you mean he doesn’t live up to what he espouses? He’s happily married and he and his wife provide a stable, two parent home for their children. What part of that is inconsistent with what he says?

    And finally, it’s O’Reilly, not O’Rielly.

  4. lisa says:

    I have seen her talking in interviews..

    Does anyone really think these are her words. NOPE

    Huvane put together a good statement. I would love to actually HEAR her say something. I have never seen her make any statement or stand for anything. This was all to promote the film. She is not a single mother.

    But hey maybe people will go see the film. I rather see The Kids are Alright.. much more realistic.

  5. embertine says:

    Sammy, it’s the paragraph after that that prompted my comments.

  6. canadianchick says:

    Loved that press release. Snap!

  7. snowball says:

    Yeah, lisa. Because no one, in the history of publications, has ever had anyone else craft a statement with or for them. Ever.

    On a totally superficial note, I’m going to have to kill her to get that dress.

    I don’t know how much of a hypocrite O’Reilly is on this issue, but he’s a disgusting pig when it comes to how he treats women in general. Have you seen his frigging show?

    JA’s comments weren’t meant to be treated like one of the Ten Commandments, but she’s hardly alone in her opinion anyway. God forbid she expresses it, since her womb is shriveled and barren, she isn’t allowed up on that platform.

  8. NancyMan says:

    Several years ago, I was seated next to Bill O’Reilly who was with (I’m assuming) his wife and two young girls at a production of Wicked in New York. I have never seen anyone who looked so unpleasant and angry. I thought it odd as his family and the rest of the audience was really enjoying the show. He gave me the creeps. By the way, he must wear a tremendous amount of makeup on camera as he looked ‘crypt-keeper’ rough in person.

  9. bros says:

    Bill just wants the loofah! he is grumpy unless he gets the loofah.

  10. MightyMouse says:

    @ SammyHammy, I agree with you wholeheartedly but I have some advice: Don’t respond to these threads. It’s a politically charged argument and anti-conservative. Therefore, common sense will not be tolerated. Please be aware that on this site, FoxNews = evil, no matter what.

  11. flourpot says:

    I hardly think it’s fair to call everyone who posts on this site Anti-Conservative. Nor do I think it correct to call Fox News evil. We all have our opinions and, in mine, Fox news is just plain dumb. We all know how much of an absolute wanker Bill O’howeveryouspellit. And if you’re one of the ones who enjoy his show and agree with what drips from his venomous tongue, all I have to say is … Baaaaah.

  12. Whatever says:

    but for those who’ve not yet found their Bill O’Reilly, I’m just glad science has provided a few other options
    ************************

    I choked on my tea when I read this. Awesome!

    Bill’s rage is just his normal abrasive personality. Anyone remember the old behind the scenes tape of him screaming like a freak at his staff? It’s just his winning personality.

    PS We aren’t all anti conservative, just anti judgmental asshole.

  13. Tess says:

    So funny. The Left rages about O’Reilly’s opinions but turns a blind eye to the inequities of patriarchal societies around the world.

    But that’s one of the consequences of a non judgemental embrace of multiculturalism. Adherents are left supporting unsupportable double standards. But they don’t seem to think it thru.

  14. Shelley says:

    I can’t believe no one has pointed out that JA hasn’t spoken to her mom in many years and is very close to her Dad. So if anyone knows the value of a Dad it should be her. I agree – this
    movie sounds horrible and whoever made that lame rah rah single mom statement on JAs behalf was no doubt despeately seeking PR for the film.

  15. Moreaces says:

    I am Team Jolie, however Jennifer is correct, and BlowHard Bill is wrong, I have never liked Aniston, but right is right and wrong is wrong..

  16. Moreaces says:

    This was all to promote the film. She is not a single mother.
    ===============
    Just because she does not have kids (and more than likely never will) she is still entitled to an opinion, when I work it this was still America

  17. Rosina says:

    @MightyMouse, actually this time around you are in with a shot.

    Because although you are generally right, more so than that on this site, Jennifer Aniston = wrong, no matter what.

  18. MightyMouse says:

    Thank you, Flourpot, for chastizing me. I am suitably humbled by your thoughtful and calm rhetoric and will immediately change my life. And thank you for reading my post so thoroughly. I am honored that you felt the need to respond with maturity.

    By the way, SammyHammy, this is exactly what I am referring to.

  19. citysuede says:

    @Whatever (capital W) I choked on my coffee (not tea)….but also thought that this was a fabulous response…I, too, am anti-judgemental asshole!

  20. jen says:

    Jen needs to keep those old buzzard feet covered up.

  21. MightyMouse says:

    @ Rosina, when you say that JA = wrong no matter what, are you referring to articles written by Celebitchy and Kaiser, or are you referring to comments written?

    And if I may clarify: I am speaking to this particular thread, not to the Celebitchy site in general. I thought that was clear in my post.

  22. Praise St. Angie! says:

    @Whatever…

    You mean this one, right?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNVVwRCY

    good times…

  23. Iggles says:

    Moreaces – I hear ya.

    I’m going to type words I never thought I’d say: Team Aniston. Her response was great, and if you noticed she agreed that two parent families are ideal.

    It’s win/win for Jen and Bill. Olbermann comes off as the biggest loser in this.

  24. xxodettexx says:

    i may not be JA’s favorite advocate like others on this site, but she simply stated an opinion… lame of BO to go after her, then even lamer for KO to go after BO, but EVEN LAMER is us here on this page attacking each other over what rich douches are spewing at each other…

    to each his own! i have conservative friends and family and some are dicks and racists and some are pretty non-judgmental and accepting… i also have liberal friends and family and, shocker, the same thing there, dicks, racists and closemindedness and also some nice, non-judgmentals as well… its human to err, its human to have differences of opinion, but it is just plain dumb to think that there is ONLY ONE CORRECT way! bwahahahaha [sorry for the rant, but just really cant stand the whole con v. lib argument people, its tired]

  25. oh hey says:

    Wow, a couple of comments against O’Reilly, and people accuse this place and being “anti-conservative.” There was more venom against Keith Olbermann, I didn’t see anyone accusing this site of being “anti-liberal.”

    And Sammyhamm, what’s on the outside doesn’t reflect what goes on inside. Just because Bill has a wife can kids does NOT mean a happy home life. The Gibson family proved that better than anyone. Are you the kind of woman who would stay with a man who physically and verbally abused and/or cheated on you left and right just so the kids have a daddy in the house? Besides, didn’t sexually harass a female employee at one point, how is he a representative for family values? I can agree with him saying that (GOOD) fathers don’t get enough credit, but it doesn’t take a way from the fact that he has problems with women.

    Also, I’d like to see some scientific proof that Conservatism=Common Sense. I checked that JAMA and the NIH websites and couldn’t find any studies.

  26. oh hey says:

    MightyMouse,

    FYI, I saw though your response to flourpot, oldest trick in the book, and one that used when people don’t share their views.

  27. MightyMouse says:

    @ xxodettexx: That was very well said. I appreciate your argument. Labels (such as conservative and liberal) are used for convenience but can be extremely divisive. I refer to myself as conservative only so far as it encompasses a set of values I hold. But you are right, it should not define or limit me as a person. Nor should it define or limit anyone else.

    @ Oh Hey: You are absolutely correct that I chose my language poorly. By common sense, I meant to imply objectivism (in the Ayn Rand sense. And you’re also right that it is not covered in medical journals!).

    This is why I continue to come to this site and read comments. Thank you.

  28. JY says:

    she is so orange. just no. needs to cover those feet. it is hideous.

  29. MightyMouse says:

    @Oh Hey: I got quite sarcastic there, didn’t I? That’s part of the reason I don’t comment often. I tend to have a visceral response at first. A wise man (my father) once told me, “after your initial reaction, take a 15 minute walk. If you still feel the same way, go for it. If you don’t, shut your fat mouth!”

    I did go for a walk, re-read the comment and thought, “Yikes!” I try to remember that feelings are not facts. Sometimes I fail.

    However, I still do not feel that flourpot’s response was completely appropriate. Oh well, can’t agree with everyone. 🙂

  30. xxodettexx says:

    @MightyMouse: thank you for your kind words, and yes, this is why i keep coming back to this site, the people that comment always keep a smile on my face throughout the day regardless of where they live, how they feel about politics, etc

    love ya all! 🙂

  31. oh hey says:

    MM,

    I go for the 15-minute walk first myself, I know my anger, if I want someone to really read what I have to say, I have to back off. I know I was sarcastic, but hey, this isn’t a major news site :-). I actually like sarcasm, but I try to leave it out when trying to make a point.

    I can see how you thought the last part of flour’s comment was inappropriate (I thought it was funny), but I guess if the shoe was on the other foot, I would feel the same way.

  32. oh hey says:

    Praise St. Angie!,

    Bill had a nice head of hair back then!

  33. Gypsy says:

    That was so lame, so not only is she overrated as a actress, she’s also overrated as a defender of her own statements.

    My Response:
    “Perhaps Bill needs to pay attention to his own ovaries and leave other females to their own decisions”

  34. Cheyenne says:

    She is spot-on that while a two-parent family is ideal, it is not always possible. Many single men and women are excellent parents.

    Love the dress, it totally works for her. But will somebody PUH-LEEEZE lend that woman a comb? Better yet, give her a buzz cut. That tired, messy Rachel is making her look dated.

  35. MightyMouse says:

    @ Oh Hey: point well taken. My anger, too, can be dramatic and lead to all sorts of stupidity. I usually am able to maintain my sense of humor and composure but I failed miserably today.

  36. marcye says:

    whose dress is she wearing?????
    Is it leather?

  37. AHMEEMAN says:

    Let me see if i get this: jennypoop anustain is in a movie where she plays a character who inserts a turkey baster up her p.u.ssy in an attempt to inseminate herself, (even though the man who donates the sperm is at least her friend – someone she knows and could have had sex with in order to get the said sperm) but i digress…….

    So she inserts a turkey baster up her p.u.ssy and is now suddenly in the limelight being held up as a poster child for women’s reproductive rights and options and motherhood??????????

    Did i get that correct? And now, in response to Bill Oreilly’s diss, and having been fed some retort by huvane who conveniently sent it to People magazine and now its on huffnpuff website where it has garnered over 1000 comments, she is suddenly being hailed as witty and smart????????????

    This is the same biitch who, in that interview in which she called Angie “uncool” and “consider the source” lets not forget that the reporter said the biitch took two weeks to come back with that retort – I guess thats how long it took huvane to get around to sending her a memo on what to say.

    Why are the people in media in america so dense???????? What prevents them from seeing through this biitch? is it only JP fans who see the real jennypoop anustain??????

  38. PrettyTarheel says:

    @Tess: Seriously? You think it’s just the “Left” that rages about Bill O’Reilly? AND you think that the “Right” are the only ones focused on bringing equality for women everywhere and disbanding the abusive, patriarchal customs that masquerade as society in much of the world?
    I’m a Libertarian, so I’m neither “Right” nor “Left”, I zig-zag all over the board, but I really think you should have put more thought into your comment.
    I dislike Bill O’Reilly because I find him trite and I feel like he panders to a section of hate-mongerers that masquerade as “Conservatives.”
    Masquerade is now the word of the day.

    Also, a brief synopsis on libertarianism-it is not liberalism. Basically, we believe that the ongoing goverment growth is legislation run amok, that legislating personal choice is unconstitutional, unless the action is an involuntary infringement on the basic civil, constitutional rights of another citizen (more on that if CB changes to a political blog and covers Rand Paul), that the IRS is a waste of space, etc. etc. In other words, pro-choice, anti gun-control, pro marijuana legalization, anti-Prop8, and just flat out cranky.

  39. manly says:

    cover those feet!!!!pronto!look like a subway direction.

  40. Jeannified says:

    I’m not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston’s, but she hit the nail on teh head with her response.

  41. original kate says:

    “what do you mean he doesn’t live up to what he espouses? He’s happily married and he and his wife provide a stable, two parent home for their children. What part of that is inconsistent with what he says?”

    @sammyhamm: really? then why was he sexually harassing his employee, leaving nasty messages on her answering machine while pretending to be an upstanding guy? that smacks of hypocrisy to me. next you’ll tell me you think newt gingrich actually lives the “family values” he talks about. you must be either very optimistic or very naive.

  42. Peg says:

    team anniston. she really was kind to him. he’s an idiot.

    If I was going to have a kid today, I would never pair up with anyone. It only causes problems later in child support arguments, custody, etc. Do it alone!

  43. TaylorB says:

    xxodettexx

    Thank you. Very well said. My family is comprised of Dems, Repubs, Inds, and even a Libertarians (though many today who claim to be a Libertarian are more than unfamilliar with the actual platform and think it means indy, that will be a hard lesson to learn), yet they can make a point in a respectful way.

    That being said Bill is an entertainer, not a journalist his opinion carries about as much credit as Snookies and I must say after reading the transcripts of his loofa/b*tt plug tapes he certainly is no authority on morals and family values.

  44. notafan says:

    BIG DEAL TWO STUPID HYPOCRITE GO AT EACH OTHER, WHO CARES.

  45. PrettyTarheel says:

    A test to determine your political affiliation: Liberal, Conservative, Centrist, Statist, or Libertarian:
    http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz

  46. OC lady says:

    It’s an epic battle between a piece of crap and lint! WAR! haha

  47. Rosanna says:

    For once, I LOVED how JA shut him up!!!!

  48. Conando says:

    Love it when she’s snarky.

  49. The Hamm is My Dream Man says:

    Great response that was definitely hers.

  50. BethL says:

    It’s amusing that people actually believe that Jennifer came up with that statement. Just look at her interviews to know that she’s not funny unless people give her lines. When she did interviews right after the divorce, she or maybe it was the Friends writers, admitted she didn’t come up with the jokes making fun of Brad. Bill really overreacted to Jennifer’s comments.

  51. Amelia says:

    I would have been much better off without the father I had. I kept begging my mother to divorce him, but she was old fashioned and took it. O’Reilly, as always, is full of sh*t.

  52. just my opinion says:

    I find it hard to believe jen can’t find a good man to marry and have kids with?? It’s not like she doesn’t have much to pick from she only works and lives in Hollywood. News to her but brad pitt sucks…move on

  53. Jag says:

    Excellent statement and well put.

    I miss Murphy Brown; it was a good show.

  54. Linna says:

    Go Jen!!! I am so glad she responded to that idiot Bill O Reilly!
    I just love her!

  55. nnn says:

    #52

    Sorry to disappoint you but Jennifer already moved on 5 years ago when she began dating post her divorce with Vince.

    Brad Pitt is not her ex…John Mayer IS…so i think you are the one who didn’t moved on and is stuck in 2005 when this woman has had a string of relationships since then and moved on with her life, dating game included.

  56. Ruffian9 says:

    I think some of you are taking this MUCH too far. JA made a statement (relating to a movie she’s promoting, no less). BOR jumped all over it -“destructive to society(!!!)-, even though the comment was related to a movie she’s promoting. JA’s publicist issues a witty retort. Personally, I think that if BOR has real concerns about the state of modern society and the family unit, there might be better ways of directing that energy than attacking a Hollywood actress promoting her film. Just my two cents, obviously.

  57. Celebitchy says:

    @Iggles – we are trying to get in touch with you but the e-mail address you use to comment isn’t working. Can you please e-mail me at info -at- celebitchy.com? It’s nothing bad! Thank you!