In a recent episode of "The Drew Barrymore Show," host Drew Barrymore’s friendly gestures met resistance as she interviewed lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart. The moment occurred during a segment intended to celebrate Stewart’s influential career.
Martha Stewart physically pushed Drew Barrymore away during the interview after the host became overly tactile, Mail Online reported.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday when Stewart appeared as a guest. The episode paid tribute to Stewart, lauding her as the "original" influencer for her longstanding impact on lifestyle and business.
However, the lighthearted tone shifted when Barrymore playfully asked what made Stewart "soft and gooey," framing the question in a quirky and intimate manner. Barrymore accentuated her point by biting her finger, adding a sense of playfulness to her inquiry.
Responding to Barrymore’s unusual question, Stewart briefly played along, replying with "Soft and gooey treatment" to describe how she liked being treated. This prompted Barrymore to stroke Stewart's arm and ask if such treatment involved "being treated like a lady."
The interaction took another turn when Stewart, perhaps feeling uncomfortable with the physical contact, firmly pushed Barrymore away. This assertive gesture highlighted Stewart's discomfort with the situation.
Drew Barrymore, known for her effusive and tactile interviewing style, seemed startled but quickly composed herself. She humorously acknowledged the mismatch by saying "I know, I know," and dramatically leaned back on the sofa.
Barrymore’s interview style has previously garnered attention. Known for getting physically close to her guests, she has faced criticism in the past. Last December, audiences described her interaction with Oprah Winfrey as "clingy, creepy, and cringe" after she similarly caressed Winfrey during their interview.
More recently, Barrymore drew criticism for being "invasive" after an uncomfortably close interview with actor Austin Butler. She has publicly addressed her approach, explaining her people-oriented nature and her difficulty with physical distancing, especially highlighted during the recent pandemic.
During a conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Barrymore shared her struggle with isolation during the pandemic and missing human contact, which has intensified her current approach to personal interactions.
The particular interview with Stewart resumed a more normalized pace after the brief awkward moment, when one of Barrymore's dogs approached the sofa, providing a welcome distraction and lightening the atmosphere.
Barrymore then shifted the focus back to Stewart’s career, praising her significant role in paving the way for many in the entertainment and lifestyle industry. She highlighted Stewart's broad influence, expressing gratitude for her guest's extensive contributions.
Drew Barrymore ended the segment with a formal acknowledgment, thanking Stewart for her impact not only on industry standards but on personal lives, showing her professional respect despite the earlier awkwardness.
This incident on "The Drew Barrymore Show" serves as another example of the fine line media personalities must navigate between affable conduct and respecting personal boundaries. While Barrymore's intent was likely benign, aiming to create a relaxed and intimate setting, the reaction from Stewart underscores the importance of maintaining professional decorum, particularly in public and broadcast interviews.
Martha Stewart's composed handling of the situation and Barrymore's adjustment post-interruption demonstrated professionalism in a potentially uncomfortable public scenario, preserving respect for personal boundaries while continuing to engage in the intended celebratory discussion of achievements and influence.
