Drew Barrymore Halts Premiere of Talk Show Amid Hollywood Writers Strike Following Backlash

Drew Barrymore has announced that her talk show will not be returning amid the ongoing Hollywood writers strike. The actress made the announcement on Sunday via her Instagram account, citing backlash from her decision to resume production.

Rosie O’Donnell, a former talk show host and current co-host of The View, shared an essay from Elizabeth Grey on her Instagram page which gave advice to Barrymore. The essay suggested that Barrymore should stop asking audiences to cross the picket line.

In response to the backlash, Barrymore wrote on Instagram, “I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over. I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what is is today.”

CBS Media Ventures voiced their support for Barrymore’s decision to reverse course. O’Donnell’s essay concluded with three declarative sentences: “Stop asking audiences to cross the picket line. Respect the strike. Support the writers.”