Rosie O'Donnell Approves Of Drew Barrymore's Decision To Pause Her Show Amid WGA Strike

Rosie O'Donnell Approves Of Drew Barrymore's Decision To Halt Her Show Amid WGA Strike

Home / Top Stories / Rosie O'Donnell Approves Of Drew Barrymore's Decision To Halt Her Show Amid WGA Strike

By Favour Adegoke on September 18, 2023 at 9:15 AM EDT

Actress and former talk show host Rosie O'Donnell wasted no time showing support for her colleague, Drew Barrymore after she apologized for seemingly crossing picket lines and revealed plans to stop production of her show following backlash.

O'Donnell previously offered Barrymore a word of caution, urging the movie star to "apologize to the WGA for disrespecting the work of professional writers."

Keep on reading to learn more.

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Rosie O'Donnell Approves Of Drew Barrymore's Apology

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In a recent update on Instagram, Barrymore has now taken a courageous step by pausing the premiere of her show until after the Hollywood writers' strike ends, following uproar and backlash from her earlier decision to dish out new episodes.

"I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show's premiere until the strike is over," she stated in her announcement. "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 it is today."

She added, "We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry soon."

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After her statement, O'Donnell quickly took to her Instagram page to show her support for Barrymore by resharing her apology along with the caption, "perfect."

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Rosie O'Donnell Urged Drew Barrymore To Halt Her Show

Drew Barrymore announces a summer break from social media
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O'Donnell previously took to Instagram to express her views on the matter after Barrymore announced that she'll be airing fresh episodes of "The Drew Barrymore Show" on Monday. By sharing an article written by Elizabeth Grey, O'Donnell urged her fellow actress to reconsider taping her chat show while the strike is ongoing, a move that some perceived as crossing a picket line.

"Stop taping the show. Stop asking audiences to cross the picket line. Then ask someone to help you craft three declarative sentences," the post began.

It continued, "They should follow along these lines: I made an error. I apologize to the WGA for disrespecting the work of professional writers. I apologize to all union members who are withstanding real hardship as I live a life of luxury."

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Fans Are Split On Drew Barrymore's Decision To Pause Her Show

Drew Barrymore announces a summer break from social media
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Several fans took to the comment section of Barrymore's post to pen their divided reactions, with some thanking her for halting her show and others claiming she was "bullied."

"This is definitely the right choice on SO MANY levels. You grew up in this industry. You KNOW how important it is to stand in solidarity with the writers until the strike is over. Your show wouldn't have lasted long if you went forward with the premier. This is surely the best way to go about what's best for the writers and all people in the industry going forward. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!"

Another wrote, "Solidarity is what's needed. Glad you got there."

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"I hate this - Drew, you were bullied for being real about the business and how the show must go on," noted a fan who felt the actress was pressured into halting her show. "But I know that as an Actress and Director yourself, it must have been difficult."

Another commented, "Sorry you got some serious flack from others who were against your decision. I thought that was brave of you to want to continue your show and support your staff."

Drew Barrymore Says This Is 'Bigger' Than Her

Drew Barrymore
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In her earlier response to the backlash that arose from her decision to continue taping her show, Barrymore defended herself and resolved to take "full responsibility" for it.

"There's nothing I can do or say at this moment to make it okay," the "Charlie's Angels" actress said in a since-deleted video. "I wanted to own a decision so that it wasn't a PR-protected situation, and I would just take full responsibility for my actions. I know there's nothing I can do to make this okay for those it is not okay with. I fully accept that."

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As for the reason she decided to resume, Barrymore noted that the decision was "bigger" than her and that "other people's jobs were on the line." She apologized to writers and unions, explaining that "when things are so tough, it's hard to make decisions from that place."

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