In Reversal, Drew Barrymore Presses Pause on Show Until Strike Ends

Drew Barrymore reversed her decision to bring back her daytime talk show despite the Hollywood strikes after an onslaught of criticism, the actress and host announced on Sunday in an Instagram post.

The return of production for “The Drew Barrymore Show” drew picketers from the striking writers’ and actors’ unions, as taping resumed last Monday, and on Friday, Barrymore defended the decision in an emotional Instagram video, saying, “This is bigger than me.” The company that produces the show, CBS Media Ventures, echoed Barrymore’s resolution, citing more than 150 jobs that would be affected.

But late on Friday, Barrymore deleted the video, and on Sunday morning, she released a new statement changing course.

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” the statement said. “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. We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”