On Tuesday, Martha Stewart appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, and let’s just say, the conversation took some unexpected turns. At 83 years old, Stewart is no stranger to the media, often engaging with fans and sharing her culinary wisdom. This time, though, she found herself on the receiving end of Barrymore's signature touchy-feely interviewing style, which some say has gone too far.
Stewart was on the show primarily to promote her 100th cookbook, but Barrymore, ever the playful host, took things beyond the usual pleasantries. At one moment, Barrymore asked Stewart what makes her “soft and gooey,” attempting to spark some intimacy. Stewart, seemingly perplexed, repeated the question and responded, “Soft and gooey treatment.” This exchange indicates the lifestyle diva wasn’t quite on board with the emotional exploration Barrymore was pushing for.
But it didn’t end there. Barrymore leaned in closer, rubbing Stewart’s back and asking, “When you’re treated like a lady?” To this, Stewart didn’t miss a beat, humorously retorting, “You’re the wrong gender.” This line got some laughs from the audience but clearly established the boundary Stewart was seeing blurred.
Barrymore, who’s known for her over-the-top interviewing style, could be seen flopping back on the couch with laughter. “I know, I know,” she quipped back, showcasing her laid-back demeanor even when receiving the playful shove from Stewart.
The irony of Stewart’s reputation lends itself well to this moment. She’s been characterized as someone not particularly known for sweetness or softness, but rather as someone with stoic poise—the quintessential image of composed professionalism. Her good humor and wit during The Drew Barrymore Show episode demonstrated this balance nicely, capturing both her wit and her preference for keeping things more business-like.
Throughout the interview, moments of awkwardness were sprinkled with playful jabs, resulting not just from Barrymore's forwardness but also from the dynamic they share. Stewart and Barrymore have shown camaraderie over the years, often bumping shoulders at public events, including the recent book launch for childhood and parenting author, Dr. Aliza Pressman. Still, The Drew Barrymore Show has seen Barrymore's overly tactile approach backfire before.
Prior to Stewart's appearance, Barrymore made headlines for touching Vice President Kamala Harris during her interview and even referred to her as 'Momala,' charmingly asking for more maternal warmth from the political figure. Some critics have pointed out Barrymore’s tendency to breach personal space during interviews, citing moments where she crossed lines most guests might prefer to remain intact. This has led Barrymore to promise to be more conscientious of personal space. Though when asked how she planned to accomplish this, her response seemed more tongue-in-cheek than genuinely reflective.
Stewart’s exchange with Barrymore, laden with charm, simultaneously cast light on the challenges public figures face when adapting to varying interview styles. Unique quirks, like Barrymore's exuberance, serve to create moments of levity, but the unexpected pressure of personal boundaries remains. While Barrymore thrives on creating intimacy, Stewart exemplifies the more traditional guest role, favoring decorum over too much familiarity.
Interestingly, Stewart has been outspoken about her expectations during interviews, sharing her frustrations with various portrayals throughout her career—including criticisms on her recent Netflix documentary, where she felt the final cuts portrayed her as ‘a lonely old lady walking hunched over.’ Her call for portrayals of empowerment only seems to extend to moments like this one, where she did manage to maintain control during what might have spiraled otherwise.
The episode ended with the pair sharing laughs, which made it easy to dismiss any underlying discomfort. The show, known for its light-hearted atmosphere, managed to balance the push-and-pull dynamic seamlessly, with both women displaying their respective personalities. Stewart, through her framed stoicism, and Barrymore, exuding warmth and spontaneity, created what many viewers are labeling ‘an unforgettable moment.’”
