‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Breaks Silence After Jason Bateman’s Shocking Claim He Was Hazed on Set of Beloved Show
Nearly 40 years after his time on Little House on the Prairie, Jason Bateman stirred up headlines by revealing that he was allegedly “hazed” during his stint on the iconic family drama. Now, one of the show’s original stars is responding to his claims — and setting the record straight about what life was really like on the set of Walnut Grove.
Bateman, who appeared on the series in the early 1980s as James Cooper Ingalls, recently claimed during a podcast appearance that he endured “tough treatment” from some of the cast and crew. “I was just a kid, but I definitely felt like an outsider,” Bateman said. “There were moments that I’d describe as hazing — things done to test me, maybe even intimidate me. At that age, it was hard to process.”
His comments quickly went viral, sparking shock among fans who had long viewed Little House on the Prairie as a wholesome, family-friendly series both on and off-screen. The show, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved novels, has long carried a reputation for being one of television’s most wholesome productions.
But in response, Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls and essentially grew up on the show, pushed back on Bateman’s portrayal. Speaking to entertainment outlets, Gilbert expressed surprise at his comments. “I have nothing but love and respect for Jason. He came on as a talented young actor, and we were thrilled to have him,” she said. “But hazing? That’s not the experience I remember. We were a family on that set. If anything, the older cast members were protective of the kids.”
Gilbert acknowledged that adjusting to the set could be intimidating, especially for newcomers. “We were a tight-knit group, and when someone new arrived, there was naturally a period of finding your place. But it was never about exclusion or cruelty. That just wasn’t the spirit of Little House.”
Other cast members have also weighed in, with some suggesting Bateman’s memories may reflect isolated experiences rather than the culture of the set as a whole. One source close to production noted that the early 1980s were a transitional time for the show, with new characters being introduced as the original children grew older. “There were definitely pressures — the ratings, the long hours, the challenges of being a kid in Hollywood,” the source said. “But hazing wasn’t a practice anyone encouraged.”
Bateman himself has yet to clarify his comments further, though he has made it clear he doesn’t hold a grudge. “I look back with gratitude for the opportunities I had,” he said. “But I’d be lying if I said it was all easy.”
The renewed discussion highlights how different people can walk away with vastly different memories of the same environment. For fans, it’s a reminder that even the most cherished TV sets weren’t always as idyllic as they seemed on screen.
As for Gilbert and her fellow castmates, they remain committed to celebrating the enduring legacy of Little House on the Prairie — a show that, despite behind-the-scenes debates, continues to enchant audiences nearly half a century later.
