Drew Barrymore has just released a statement in response to backlash about the season 4 premiere of The Drew Barrymore Show.
In an announcement made by Deadline on September 6, it was revealed that the TV personality's daytime series would return for season 4 on September 18 amid the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA union strikes. Soon after the news broke, people swarmed the internet to share their disappointment in the choice, as Drew famously pulled out of hosting the 2023 MTV Movie and TV Awards in solidarity with those trying to reach a fair contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
After hearing the feedback from fans and those in her industry, Drew went on Instagram to post a lengthy message about why she planned to work on a new installment of episodes for TV.
"I made a choice to walk away from the MTV [Movie and TV] Awards because I was the host and it had a direct conflict with what the strike was dealing with which was studios, streamers, film, and television," she wrote on September 10. "It was also in the first week of the strike and so I did what I thought was the appropriate thing at the time to stand in solidarity with the writers ... However, I am also making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show."
Shortly after explaining why she stepped back from hosting in the beginning of the strikes in May, Drew also took ownership of her decision behind filming The Drew Barrymore season 4, and ensured that she still plans to abide by the strike rules even while on the air.
"I own this choice," she added. "We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind ... Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time. I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience ... We have navigated difficult times since we first came on air, and so I take a step forward to start season 4 once again with an astute humility."
Her statement has generally not been well received, with many asking her to reconsider her decision.
Folks may know the WGA has been on strike since early May for a number of crucial issues, including fair pay for residual money from episodes premiering on streaming sites. SAG-AFTRA went on strike for similar reasons in mid-July, with both unions currently attempting to work out a proper resolution.
