Drew Barrymore Stands By Choice To Resume Her Show
Despite the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Drew Barrymore is defending her choice to resume her show on September 18.
It’s been a very long summer for all of those involved in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. On May 2, the WGA went on strike over a significant labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. On July 14, SAG-AFTRA enacted their own strike against the AMPTP as well.
Since the strikes, countless Hollywood productions have been shut down until an agreement is reached. Some productions have been cleared by the unions to continue filming, adhering to all union rules. But for the rest of the TV shows and movies who currently employ WGA writers, productions will not resume until further notice. The Drew Barrymore Show will not be one of those shows. In a social media post, Barrymore defended her choice to resume her show.
“I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind. We launched live in a global pandemic. 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,” Barrymore wrote in a statement she posted on Instagram.
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Tension Surrounding The Drew Barrymore Show
The Drew Barrymore Show resumed taping on September 11 in preparation for the show’s upcoming fourth season. The WGA East then decided to set up a protest that would take place in front of CBS Studios in New York, where the show is produced.
The @DrewBarrymoreTV Show is a WGA covered, struck show that is planning to return without its writers. The Guild has, and will continue to, picket struck shows that are in production during the strike. Any writing on “The Drew Barrymore Show” is in violation of WGA strike rules.
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) September 10, 2023
Dominic Turiczek and Cassidy Carter were hopeful to be in attendance of The Drew Barrymore Show on Monday. But as they walked into the building, the pair were each handed a button from picketers that read “Writers Guild on Strike.” Turiczek and Carter attempted to enter the studio audience with their buttons on. However, two security guards reportedly removed them from the premises before taping of the show took place.
In an interview with Deadline Hollywood, Turiczek and Carter detailed their encounter.
Dominic Turiczek and Cassidy Carder, who were supposed to be audience members for ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ got kicked out of the taping due to supporting the #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/xA3lABPfy3
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) September 11, 2023
The Drew Barrymore Show has quickly released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter in regards to the incident. “It is our policy to welcome everyone to our show tapings. Due to heightened security concerns today, we regret that two audience members were not permitted to attend or were not allowed access. Drew was completely unaware of the incident and we are in the process of reaching out to the affected audience members to offer them new tickets,” the statement read.
Fans React To Drew Barrymore’s Choice To Resume Her Show
Many fans seem to be split on how they feel about The Drew Barrymore Show resuming during the strikes. One user on X feels that the criticism towards Barrymore seems exceedingly hypocritical.
“ok i’m annoyed with the whole drew barrymore situation because obviously. But how is her carrying on with her daytime talk show different from other daytime talk shows that have continued through the strike?” the user asked.
Other fans are taking a much stronger approach. They feel like Barrymore deciding to resume her show crosses the line and is insulting to those currently on strike. And reportedly removing fans for supporting the strikes only strengthens the animosity.
“Damn. Drew Barrymore is throwing away so much goodwill. She is so loved. (Y’all know I adore Santa Clarita Diet.) But scabbing and throwing people out for wearing pins supporting the writers? That’s some villainous s***,” wrote one user.
Another X user also believes that Barrymore has already tainted her reputation. “Way to p*** your entire wholesome image down the drain over greed. @DrewBarrymore have you no shame?” asked the user.
What are your thoughts on Drew Barrymore deciding to resume her show? Has the actress crossed the line and ruined her reputation in your eyes? Let us know how you feel down below in the comments.
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