D.J. Conner Star Breaks Silence: The Messy Roseanne Barr Feud That's Tearing the Cast Apart
Michael Fishman apologizes to fans as tensions with his former co-star escalate. Here's what really happened between them.
By CelebBuzz StaffSeptember 28, 2026Source: VarietyFact-Check: MEDIUM
A Cast Divided
The beloved cast of "Roseanne" has seen better days. Once a tight-knit family on set, the sitcom's stars are now caught in a public relations nightmare that has fans choosing sides and demanding answers.
Michael Fishman, who played the lovable D.J. Conner for nearly a decade on the ABC classic, just broke his silence in a major way. And what he's saying has shocked everyone.
Taking to social media, the actor delivered an emotional apology to fans—but not for the reason you might think. The chaos he's referencing? It all centers on his explosive feud with his former co-star and the show's original lead, Roseanne Barr.
"I'm gonna keep pushing out love," Fishman wrote, hinting at deeper tensions brewing behind the scenes that have finally boiled over into public view.
But what exactly sparked this war between two members of one of TV's most iconic families?
The answer lies in a controversial moment that changed everything for the entire franchise.
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The Moment Everything Changed
To understand the current feud, you have to go back to 2018—a year that would forever alter the trajectory of "Roseanne" and damage relationships that seemed unbreakable.
That's when Roseanne Barr posted a racist tweet that ignited a firestorm across social media and in newsrooms nationwide. The controversial post sent shockwaves through Hollywood and forced ABC executives into crisis mode. A decision had to be made, and it had to be made fast.
Within weeks, the network made the call that would set the stage for today's conflict: they canceled the show's 2018 reboot. The decision was swift, definitive, and publicly justified by the network as necessary.
For years, most cast members remained silent on the matter, choosing to move forward professionally and personally. But Michael Fishman clearly carried a different perspective on what happened and why.
Recently, in August, Fishman publicly stated that the reboot "was rightfully canceled"—a direct, unambiguous statement that sided with the network's decision and, by extension, distanced himself from his former leading lady.
The comment wasn't just a throwaway remark. It was a line in the sand.
Roseanne Barr saw it differently, and she made sure the world knew it.
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The Clash Explodes Into Public View
Roseanne Barr's response was swift and pointed. Rather than accept Fishman's characterization of the reboot's cancellation, she fired back with her own perspective on the situation. The exchange, which unfolded across social media and in entertainment news cycles, quickly escalated from a professional disagreement to a full-blown feud.
For fans who had followed "Roseanne" since its original 1988 premiere, watching two cast members battle publicly was jarring and painful. The show had represented a certain kind of family—messy, complicated, but ultimately loving. To see that family fractured in real-time felt like a betrayal of everything the series had stood for.
The tension simmered throughout the summer before reaching a crescendo in August. That's when the entertainment world started buzzing about the conflict, with outlets reporting on the heated exchange between Fishman and Barr.
Michael Fishman's recent social media apology appears to be his attempt to quell the chaos and refocus the narrative. "I'm gonna keep pushing out love," he wrote, signaling a desire to rise above the conflict and return to more positive messaging. The statement suggests that despite the public disagreement, Fishman wants to move forward gracefully.
Yet his apology was directed at fans for the "chaos"—an implicit acknowledgment that the feud had spiraled in ways that disappointed people who cherished the original series.
But one question remains: Is this feud truly over, or is it just entering a new phase?
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What's Next For The Cast?
The implications of this feud extend beyond just two actors trading barbs on social media. The conflict represents a deeper reckoning within the "Roseanne" legacy—one where cast members are forced to take positions on controversial topics and past decisions.
Fishman's apology suggests he's aware of how his public statements have contributed to the divisiveness. By emphasizing his commitment to "pushing out love," he's attempting to recalibrate his public image and signal that he's not interested in prolonged conflict. For fans exhausted by celebrity drama, it's a welcome gesture.
However, the underlying disagreement about whether the 2018 reboot's cancellation was "rightful" remains unresolved. Until both parties address the substance of their dispute—not just the tone—the wound may continue to fester.
As of now, both Fishman and Barr have moved on to other projects. Fishman continues acting and has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, while Barr has pursued various ventures. The question is whether this public apology marks a genuine turning point or simply a tactical pause in a larger conflict.
Stay tuned to CelebBuzz for updates as this story develops.
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Originally reported by Variety. Fact-check confidence: MEDIUM