Drew Barrymore Announces She'll 'Pause' Show's Return After Igniting Controversy Amid Strikes

Drew Barrymore made an announcement on Sunday, revealing her decision to halt the production of the upcoming season of The Drew Barrymore Show until the ongoing writers' strike concludes.

In an Instagram post, Barrymore expressed her profound apologies to those she may have offended and particularly to the dedicated team behind the show that has contributed to its success.

Last week, Barrymore said that her talk show would proceed with its new season despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike.

In a now-deleted video posted on Instagram, she acknowledged the gravity of the situation, likening the decision to continue her show during the writers' strike to the challenges faced when it ran during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She took full responsibility for her choice, stating,

"I believe there's nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it OK."

Despite offering apologies to writers and unions, she had originally intended to proceed with the show.

However, the video received significant backlash from writers and actors, including Debra Messing and David Krumholtz, prompting Barrymore to delete it without explanation.

Krumholtz remarked on the complexity of the situation for the thousands of individuals who continue to strike and adhere to strike rules.

The Writers Guild of America issued a statement, asserting that Barrymore should not be on the air while her writers are on strike, as their fight for a fair deal is a fundamental issue.

The statement emphasized that shows like Barrymore's cannot function without writing, which constitutes struck work.

Rosie O'Donnell, who hosted her own talk show in the 1990s, offered advice to Barrymore by sharing an essay written by Elizabeth Grey on her Instagram.

The essay urged Barrymore to cease taping the show and refrain from asking audiences to cross the picket line.

It also advised her to issue a statement that acknowledges her error, apologizes to the Writers Guild of America for disrespecting professional writers' work, and expresses remorse to all union members who endure hardship while she enjoys a life of luxury.

Notably, Barrymore had initially shown solidarity with the writers' strike by stepping down as the host of the MTV Movie and TV Awards in May.

At the time, Barrymore said:

"I have listened to the writers, and in order to truly respect them, I will pivot from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live in solidarity with the strike."

However, her decision to resume her talk show during the strike led to the National Book Foundation withdrawing its invitation for her to host its 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.

The foundation emphasized its commitment to celebrating writers and books and expressed gratitude to Barrymore and her team for their understanding in the situation.

People wondered what took her so long, but were glad she finally came to her senses.

All this back and forth? That’s the stuff that can’t be written.