Martha Stewart is back at it again, and this time it's not just her culinary skills making headlines. The lifestyle guru appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show this past Tuesday, November 12, 2024, and what transpired during the interview was both surprising and mildly awkward.
The backdrop for their rendezvous was equally intriguing: Stewart was there to promote her latest creation, her 100th cookbook. At 83, she remains the epitome of culinary excellence, yet even she wasn't prepared for Barrymore's signature touchy-feely approach during the interview.
The moment of discomfort came when Barrymore leaned close, playfully probing Stewart's emotional state with the peculiar question: "What makes you feel soft and gooey?" Initially taken aback, Stewart took her time to ponder the question, replying, "Soft and gooey... treatment." A brief pause ensued as her answer hung awkwardly between them.
Undeterred, Barrymore maintained her proximity, addressing Stewart's answer by stroking her shoulder and echoing, "Soft and gooey treatment, when you're treated like a lady." Stewart didn’t seem overly pleased with this interaction; she gave the audience a knowing look, awareness of the burgeoning awkwardness palpable.
Then, subtly yet distinctly, she pushed Barrymore away, quipping, "You're the wrong gender!" The comment sent ripples of laughter throughout the audience. To this, Barrymore replied, appearing dejected yet amused: "I know!" as she dramatically fell back onto the couch with comedic flair.
Such exchanges are not new territory for Barrymore. The actress and host has often been critiqued for her tendency to invade the personal space of her guests. Despite these mixed reviews, she has previously defended her approach, expressing her desire to create a warm and inviting atmosphere on her show. "Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me?" Barrymore explained back in August. "I was alone! I like being around people!"
Even the recent encounter sparked jokes on social media, with many finding the incident reminiscent of past moments where guests felt overwhelmed by Barrymore's physical closeness. Just last year, she was criticized for similar behavior during her interaction with none other than Oprah Winfrey. Thankfully, Oprah brushed off any discomfort, stating, "I found it comforting," later claiming she wasn't bothered by the exchange. But not everyone feels the same way as internet users frequently express their apprehension about Barrymore's method of hosting.
Not to shy away from her true self, Barrymore once again leaned heavily on her signature style during this latest interview. That being said, it hasn’t been without consequences. Beginning to reflect on her actions, she has recently mentioned trying to implement "physical distance," claiming, "It’s not my strong point."
Stewart's playful remark only adds to the layers of humor surrounding Barrymore's overzealous hosting methods. Before this encounter, Stewart had also experienced her fair share of critique and humor concerning her dating life and romantic endeavors, albeit touched with kindness rather than aggression, demonstrating her wisdom and great sense of humor.
Stewart has had her fair share of public relationships, to put it mildly. During her early career, she was married to Andrew Stewart, with whom she shares her daughter Alexis. After their divorce, Martha has been linked to various high-profile names, including Anthony Hopkins and Charles Simonyi, but she told People magazine back in 2020 how focusing on her work often overshadowed her romantic interests.
Despite Martha's seemingly pragmatic approach to relationships, she has continually maintained her vibrant and playful charm, something clearly visible during her latest encounter with Barrymore. Although both women come from quite different backgrounds—Stewart being the disciplined kitchen queen and Barrymore the lively starlet—the brief brush with intimacy illustrated how both navigate their public personas with humor and grace.
Reflecting on the light-hearted exchange, one could infer Stewart’s remark not only served as a funny quip but also defended personal boundaries, reminding viewers—and perhaps Barrymore herself—of the importance of space, especially during interviews. Given Barrymore's typically close engagements, it seems like this interaction may have offered her some food for thought. Noting the laughter and applause from the audience, it's rather heartwarming to see such exchanges of acknowledgment and levity even amid awkwardness.
The history of interactions on The Drew Barrymore Show will likely continue to evolve as it remains to be seen how Barrymore curates her hosting habits moving forward. For now, it seems like viewers have scored some viral joy at the dinner table courtesy of Stewart and Barrymore, reinforcing their prowess to navigate the world of daytime television through humor.
So what’s next for The Drew Barrymore Show? With the holiday season rapidly approaching, one can only hope for more delightful mishaps and joy-filled moments among guests, all served with laughter—a recipe for success!
