Drew Barrymore Apologizes for Resuming Production of her Talk Show

Sept. 21, 2023

LOS ANGELES – Drew Barrymore addressed the backlash she faced for resuming production of her talk show despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America [WGA] strike.

With members of her writing team picketing the show outside the CBS building in New York City, Drew looked emotional as she admitted there was "nothing I can do or say in this moment to make" it "OK" that she was starting to tape a new season without them.

"I certainly couldn't have expected this kind of attention. We aren't gonna break rules, and we will be in compliance [with WGA strike rules]. I wanted to do this because as I said, this is bigger than me, and there are other people's jobs on the line," she said.

Barrymore also admitted that it's been difficult to make decisions in the current political climate. "I wanted to accept responsibility, and now I don't have a PR machine behind this," she continued. "My decision to go back to the show -- I didn't want to hide behind people. I won't polish this with bells and whistles and publicists and corporate rhetoric. I'll just stand out there and accept and be responsible."

On Sept. 18, following even more backlash to her widely derided apology, the actress-turned talk show host, officially reversed her decision, announcing on social media that she decided instead to "pause the show's premiere until the strike is over."

Hollywood's writers went on strike against the major studios in May after calling for better compensation and other demands.