Los Angeles: Actor Drew Barrymore issued a video apology to striking Hollywood writers on Friday but said she will go forward with plans to resume her talk show next week.
Barrymore has been subject to protests by members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) who argue that she is violating terms of their work stoppage by filming new episodes of The Drew Barrymore Show. The first is scheduled to air on Monday.
Actor producer Drew Barrymore.Credit: AP
In a video posted on Instagram, Barrymore’s voice quivered as she addressed the backlash.
“I deeply apologise to writers. I deeply apologise to unions,” she said.
Barrymore said she decided to go forward in part because “other people’s jobs are on the line.” Thousands of crew members have been out of work since the WGA strike began in May and shut down production.
More filming ground to a halt when members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union walked off the job in July.
In addition, Barrymore said she “wanted to make a show that was there for people in sensitive times.”
Barrymore repeated that she believes her show will comply with strike restrictions.