To express her point of view and explain her decision to return to work during the Hollywood strikes and resume her daytime talk show, Drew Barrymore posted an emotional apology video on Instagram on Friday
However, the video was met with major backlash from members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, including notable actors, writers and some organizations, most of whom were unhappy with her tactics and her decision. This led to Barrymore removing the video entirely.
During the now-deleted video, Barrymore expressed, “I don’t think there’s anything I can do or say at this moment to make everything right. “I wanted to make a decision so that it wouldn’t be a PR-protected situation and I would just do that “I take full responsibility for my actions.”
Photo: CBS Media Ventures
The talk show host, actress and producer continued: “I know there’s just nothing I can do to make this okay for those who it’s not okay for.” I fully accept that. I completely understand that. There are so many reasons why this is so complex and I just want everyone to know that my intentions have never been more capable of upsetting or hurting me. It’s not who I am. I have been through so many ups and downs in my life and this is one of them. I deeply apologize to the authors. I deeply apologize to the unions.”
As to why Drew wanted to bring her daytime show, which previously used WGA writers, back on the air, she added: “It’s a big question of why… Why am I doing this?” That kind of attention I certainly didn’t expect it, and we won’t break any rules and stick to them. I wanted to do this because like I said, this is bigger than me and other people’s jobs are at stake.”
Stars who disagree with Barrymore’s decision include Alyssa Milano, who told the AP: “I love her very much, this is not the right move.” It affects the strength of our movement. Not a great move.”
Photo: DBarrymoreIG
Bradley Whitfield shared: “Drew Barrymore wants you to know that undermining union solidarity at a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s working class history is making her a victim. “It’s been a really tough week for her.”
Debra Messing wrote: “You can now choose to stop production. You can pay your employees like other talk show hosts who have shown solidarity with the authors. At stake are the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of union members (exponentially more than those who work on your show) and the future of our beloved industry. I hope you will reconsider.”
And the WGA made this comment: “Drew Barrymore should not be on the air while their writers are on strike and fighting for a fair deal. In reality, shows like this can’t work without writing, and that’s a job well done.”
You can watch Barrymore’s viral video as it was retweeted below.
Now let’s know if Drew should stop production of the new season of her daytime talk show amid the union strikes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
It’s SO hard to make a believable self-video. https://t.co/Z32OW4e68U
– (@JoshMalina) September 16, 2023