Martha Stewart pushes Drew Barrymore for getting too close as awkward TV moment leaves Internet stunned

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In an awkward moment on Drew Barrymore's talk show, Martha Stewart was seen pushing Barrymore away mid-interview, on Tuesday, November 12.

The incident quickly sparked a wave of online reactions, with many viewers weighing in on Barrymore’s tendency to get up close and personal with her guests. While some defended her actions as playful and consensual, others found the gesture cringeworthy.

This latest interaction follows a similar controversy from December when Barrymore faced backlash for caressing Oprah Winfrey's arm during an interview, with many critics calling her behavior "clingy" and "creepy."

Martha Stewart makes a splash on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ with uncomfortable moment

On the Tuesday, November 12, episode of 'The Drew Barrymore Show', Martha Stewart joined the talk show host for a conversation celebrating Stewart’s legacy as an iconic figure and the original influencer.

Things took a playful turn when Drew Barrymore, biting her finger, asked Stewart, “What makes you soft and gooey?” Stewart responded with a cheeky, “Soft and gooey treatment.” 

Barrymore, seemingly amused, then gently rubbed Stewart’s arm, repeating, “Soft and gooey treatment? When you're treated like a lady?”

Stewart smiled and replied, “It’s nice,” but before Barrymore could continue her thought, Stewart playfully swatted her hand away, declaring, “You’re the wrong gender!” Barrymore dramatically flopped back onto the sofa, saying, “I know, I know. Although, the way it's going with men though, Martha, I'm not so sure anymore.”

The awkward moment was briefly interrupted when one of Barrymore’s dogs jumped onto the sofa, providing a lighthearted distraction.

Despite the uncomfortable exchange, Barrymore later turned the conversation back to admiration, telling Stewart, “As much as we're here to honor you today, I want to thank you also for honoring every person that you've influenced in the world too.”

In August, after facing criticism for her tendency to sit uncomfortably close to her guests, Barrymore explained the motivation behind her behavior in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, clarifying that her affectionate gestures are meant as a sign of warmth and connection. 

“Well, I'll try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point. You know how hard the pandemic was for me? I was alone in a studio by myself I like to be around people,” she said.

She added, “It's not everyone's favorite, but I'm sorry to those people, " according to Daily Mail.

She detailed before concluding, “I think that first of all we're always gonna be big on joy and laughter and feeling good, and that was something I always wanted to do, but I never thought we would launch in a pandemic, and trying to lean into the joy and the feel good and the comedy at that time was real weird and wacky.”

Internet reacts to Drew Barrymore's gesture toward Martha Stewart on her show

After watching the awkward and uncomfortable interview between Drew Barrymore and her guest, Martha Stewart, many internet users quickly took to social media to share their reactions, with many expressing shock.

One user mocked Drew Barrymore for her gesture saying, "Drew is so odd ... biting her finger waiting for the answer... she's trying a bit too hard.... Love Martha and her bluntness 😂" 

A second user blamed Barrymore, "I don’t blame Martha. I’d be uncomfortable with someone up in my face so close. Even if I know them. Drew needs to back off guests. It’s odd to watch." 

One commented on her gesture, "Yes !!!!!! Martha's whole body language showed she wasn't a fan of Drew's closeness,her arms were all the way opposite of Drew,... I LOVED IT !!!! And the push was awesome." 

Another expressed, “Sometimes Drew is just cringeworthy. I love her but her approach is terrible.”

An individual on Facebook claimed, "Good! She needs to learn some boundaries. Not everyone wants you to put your hands on them just because they are on your show!" 

One Facebook user wrote, "Drew’s level of affection and touching is weird, she needs to be more considerate." 

Another shared, "It’s her show. Let her be her. I’m sure she will respect wishes of guests."

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