Drew Barrymore apologises for bringing talk show back during Hollywood writers strike

Drew Barrymore has apologised for resuming production on her talk show amid the ongoing Hollywood writers strike.

The actress posted a teary video to Instagram after facing days of public criticism for her decision to bring back The Drew Barrymore Show on CBS – with striking writers accusing her of being a “scab”.

Barrymore said the situation is “so complex” and that her intentions “have never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone”.

She also issued a tearful apology to writers and unions.

“I know there’s just nothing I can do that will make this OK for those it is not OK with. I fully accept that,” she said.

“I don’t exactly know what to say because sometimes when things are so tough it’s hard to make decisions from that place.

“So, all I can say is that I wanted to accept responsibility and no I don’t have a PR machine behind this.”

Explaining why she decided to resume production of her show during the strikes, the ET and 50 First Dates star added: “I wanted to do this because, as I said, this is bigger than me and there are other people’s jobs on the line.

“And since launching live in a pandemic, I just wanted to make a show that was there for people in sensitive times.

“And I weighed the scales and I thought, if we can go on during a global pandemic, and everything that the world has experienced through 2020, why would this sideline us?

“I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind.”

A spokesperson for the SAG-AFTRA union said the talk show’s return does not violate the ongoing strike.

“The Drew Barrymore Show is produced under the Network Television Code which is a separate contract and is not struck. It is permissible work and Drew’s role as host does not violate the current strike rules,” the spokesperson said.

The fourth series of Barrymore’s talk show is due to launch on 18 September.