Drew Barrymore has received substantial criticism for her decision to persist with “The Drew Barrymore Show” production, even during the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. Rosie O’Donnell, on September 17, emerged as a vocal critic of this move, taking to social media to appeal to Barrymore to stand with the writers by pausing her show.
Despite the criticism, Barrymore had previously confirmed her intention to proceed with her show’s next season. She assured that she would comply with the rules put forth by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA during the strike. Her rationale was the consideration for those who are financially dependent on her show. However, her decision faced disagreement, with celebrities like Alyssa Milano and Cheyenne Jackson endorsing O’Donnell’s stance on the importance of supporting the union.
O’Donnell, in a comprehensive post, requested that Barrymore consider discontinuing her show and apologize to the WGA. This issue took center stage when Barrymore stepped back from hosting the National Book Awards, indicating the repercussions of her decision amidst a prominent industry strike.
The current scenario underscores a challenging balance between continuing shows and endorsing industry-wide movements. Barrymore, discussing her decision, brought attention to her responsibility towards her team and the show’s broadcasters. Nevertheless, the sentiment against show productions during a strike remains strong, as detailed in a Daily Mail piece.
Past strikes have witnessed similar dilemmas. Shows have often resumed out of commitment to their teams and to avoid potential loss in viewership, which could affect advertising revenue. The present strike is forcing industry participants to clearly define their positions.
Interestingly, Barrymore and O’Donnell have a shared professional history, having co-starred on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” in 1996. This strike has put a strain on their erstwhile camaraderie, highlighting the challenges faced in the entertainment industry.
After taking stock of the widespread response, Drew Barrymore has chosen to put her show on hold. She expressed regret for any harm caused and conveyed her wishes for a resolution between the WGA and the producers. A statement from Barrymore, shared via Vanity Fair, reiterated her support for the union.