I have the privilege of covering the latest celebrity interactions and insights. This week, I bring you a story about an unexpected encounter between two iconic figures: actress Drew Barrymore and homemaking mogul Martha Stewart.
The Awkward Encounter
The scene unfolded on Tuesday’s episode of Drew Barrymore’s daytime talk show. Martha Stewart was a guest, there to promote her new cookbook, her 100th. But the interview took an unexpected turn when Barrymore posed a peculiar question to her famous guest.
“What makes you soft and gooey?” Perhaps inspired by a description of a baked goods recipe, Barrymore posed the question. Stewart, known for her no-nonsense demeanor, repeated the question dryly: “Soft and gooey treatment.”
That’s when Barrymore, known for her extremely up-close-and-personal interview style, put a hand on Stewart’s shoulder and started rubbing her back, asking, “When you’re treated like a lady.”
But Stewart, unsurprisingly, was not amused. She stayed hilariously cold and gave the audience a knowing wink before pushing Barrymore away. “You’re the wrong gender,” she quipped. Barrymore then flopped back on the couch, quipping, “I know, I know,” while Stewart and the audience laughed.
Barrymore’s Touchy Approach
This is not the first time Barrymore’s touchy-feely interview style has raised eyebrows. Last December, she held Oprah Winfrey’s hand tightly during an interview, sparking criticism from some viewers. Winfrey, however, defended Barrymore, saying, “The stroking of the arm actually comforted me. I was not uncomfortable at all.” Barrymore has addressed the online chatter about her intimate interview approach, admitting in September, “Physical distance isn’t my strong point.”
She emphasized her goal of spreading joy and laughter on her show, saying, “First of all, we’re always going to be big on joy and laughter and feeling good… Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me? I found myself alone in a studio. I like to be around people.” While Barrymore acknowledged not being “everyone’s favorite,” her intention remains to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Stewart’s discomfort with affection
For her part, Martha Stewart has expressed before that she struggles with affection. In her recent Netflix documentary “Martha,” she talks about her disinterest in expressing emotions and dealing with the emotions of others, drawing a connection to her childhood: “There was not a lot of ‘affection’ in our house.”
So it’s no surprise that Barrymore’s overly touchy approach made Stewart visibly uncomfortable during their interview. The homemaking mogul’s signature dry wit and no-nonsense persona were on full display as she pushed Barrymore away.
A lesson learned?
This encounter serves as a lesson for Barrymore, who may need to adjust her interview style to better suit the comfort levels of her guests. While her intentions come from a place of warmth and connection, some personalities, like Stewart’s, may not appreciate the same level of physical intimacy.
As Barrymore herself acknowledged, “I don’t know if I can break the habit,” but “I hear you, and I’ll do my best.” Hopefully, this experience with Martha Stewart will encourage Barrymore to be more mindful of her guests’ boundaries going forward.
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