Drew Barrymore Draws Criticism For Touchy Interview With Oprah

Actress turned talk-show host Drew Barrymore drew criticism when a clip showed an awkward and touchy exchange between she and Oprah.

Actress turned daytime talk-show host Drew Barrymore drew criticism from fans for a “cringy” interview with media maven Oprah Winfrey. In a clip released ahead of the Dec. 12 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the Charlie’s Angels actress can be seen touching and holding Winfrey as they sat on a couch during the interview, Page Six reported.

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In the clip posted by the show’s official page, Barrymore and Winfrey discuss the importance of a live audience in the land of talk shows. As the show’s host sat with her legs curled up on the couch, Winfrey applauded her for having no audience throughout the show’s run, due to both COVID restrictions as well as the SAG strike. However, things turned touchy when the pair’s high-five turned into a tight grasp initiated by Barrymore. Winfrey appeared to try to take her hand back from the E.T. actress; however, the pair remained interlocked. The host also caressed the media mogul’s arm throughout the clip.

Fans of both women took to the comments to discuss the seemingly awkward interaction. “Drew, everyone doesn’t want their hands held boo,” said one commenter.

“As much I love Drew..ill stick to watching her in movies. She comes across as over bearing and over the top and that seems fake to me…its all too cringy!!!” another commenter expressed. Barrymore has become known for her authentic approach to daytime TV hosting by breaking both physical and emotional barriers between herself and her guests. While some have found it endearing, in the clip with Winfrey, it appeared to cross a boundary. “Oprah’s body language was so clear she wanted her hand back,” said an Instagram user.

It was unclear whether Barrymore would retain much of her viewership after she was criticized for being a scab—a person who crosses a picket line—by writers when she announced plans to bring her show back to television amid the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike in September. The actress later recanted her decision, opting to honor writers, and remained off-air until the strike ended, Vox reported.