Overview
- On a Dec. 8 episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Will Arnett recounted texting condolences after O’Brien’s father died on Dec. 9, 2024, and O’Brien replying, “To be honest, I blame [Jason] Bateman.”
- Arnett said O’Brien followed with “He killed my dad,” and Jason Bateman joined the running bit by texting, “Arnett tells me you’re on to me,” prompting O’Brien to answer, “Do yourself a favor. Turn yourself in.”
- When O’Brien’s mother died three days later, Arnett texted about Bateman asking for O’Brien’s sister’s address, and O’Brien joked back to “make it look like a robbery.”
- O’Brien told listeners, “I swear to God, this is how I grieve,” describing the banter with Arnett and Bateman as comforting during the loss of his parents.
- Clips of the exchange have drawn millions of views on social platforms, with many praising the moment as an example of dark humor and supportive friendship rather than a serious accusation.