Drew Barrymore has released an “apology” video after her show returned to production and violated WGA guidelines. I’m putting the word apology with air quotes because there is nothing apologetic about this video. She’s sorry she got caught and that people simply can’t understand “her vision” as to why the show should come back. And while I previously broke down why her filming broke my fangirl heart, this time we’re breaking down some key takeaways from her “apology.” Because this video says a lot about who she is and what she values. And it’s not the WGA.
1. “I believe there’s nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it ok.”
Drew knows what she needs to do. She can stop production on her own show. It’s that simple. You either stand with a labor movement or you stand with those that are oppressing it. And for someone with so much money, she can’t use an excuse like this. There is something she can do. She can use her power and say no. She can use her position to take a stand and her money to make a difference. Instead, she makes it seem like it’s out of her hands when it’s literally her show.
2. “I wanted to own a decision so that it wasn’t a PR-protected situation.”
It truly baffles the mind that she says that she doesn’t want this to be a PR situation when she is looking off-screen to notes that she’s prepared. This takes away the very last shred of hope that I had for her. Because this “apology” is a PR stunt itself and as bad as the PR fumbles of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Colleen Ballinger. Maybe they all need a ukulele.
3. “There are so many reasons why this is so complex.”
Again, the situation with the WGA strike isn’t complex. It’s a labor movement that someone like Drew wouldn’t understand because she’s got the money to survive and thrive during these difficult times despite her claiming to be relatable and for the people. But in case she needs another reminder, here’s the gist: Writers have been paid pennies while the rich streaming services keep getting richer. And writers have had enough and are protesting. It’s that simple.
4. “And I just want everyone to know my intentions have never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone. It’s not who I am.”
It’s not an apology if you don’t acknowledge what you’ve done and intend to do something different so the hurt doesn’t happen again. Drew doesn’t understand that the next step involves her not repeating the same mistakes in the first place. Instead, she’s diving headfirst while hoping that people still like her. No, Drew. Writers are struggling. And while you’re sitting on your high horse, no one cares about your excuses on this being “who I am.” Well, if this isn’t you, then who is it? Because from where I’m standing, you’re ignoring the labor movement for “reasons.” And no amount of trying to appeal to the times we loved you will help. Your foot met your mouth and unfortunately, you have no plans of taking it out.
5. “I’ve been through so many ups and downs in my life, and this is one of them.”
Firstly, good on Drew Barrymore for getting through the well-known ups and downs that have been part of her journey since she was a kid actor. She’s been through the wringer and it’s great to know that she made it through. Keeping that in mind, her reducing a WGA’s labor movement (and its importance) to simply “ups and down” is ignorant, arrogant, and self-centered. She’s thinking of herself and not those out picketing on the streets with the threats of losing more than their “good girl next door reputation” like she’s oh so worried about.
And I can’t help but think of how disconnected from reality she truly is if she thinks she’s never going to see these strike workers once the strike is over. They will see her at work, in the workroom, or on other projects. They’ll be everywhere. And she will be judged by her scab actions; making for a toxic environment where people don’t feel like they can be honest or that they’re in a safe environment if she is involved.
Watch the “apology” video below:
You are over simplifying what is a more complex situation. First of all, you are dead wrong about the streaming services. The streaming services are losing money, a lot of money (you can google this as there are plenty of articles that have been written about this). That is what makes this issue so difficult and without an easy solution. The actors and writers want more money from the streaming services, but the streaming services are losing money, so how do they pay it?
The reason that this is complex for her is that she no doubt wants to support the writers and her fellow actors. However, she also wants to put her show on so that the people who work in the studio can get paid. The camera men, the make up people, the sound techs, ect. These are people that can not afford to not work, they have families to feed. She also has to be worried that if she doesn’t put on her show, that maybe it will get canceled. She will be fine, but everyone working for her will be out of work and would probably be out of work for the duration of the strike.
Firstly thank you for your comment. Even if I disagree with it, I appreciate you taking the time to say something.
Streaming services have reported record-breaking numbers of new members joining their services. There have been bonuses and the actors and writers who have made the streaming services what they are today, are being paid pennies. (There are plenty of photos if you want to Google those too.) It’s an unsustainable model and their demands are not out of line. Writers and actors are asking for a living wage, safety, and rules and regulations that will help them not be on welfare, food stamps, and on the brink of losing their homes because they made a measly amount while studios make millions. It’s greed and capitalism at its finest.
As for Drew Barrymore, I’ve been a long time fan. Every single time that she came on my screen it felt like the world lit up. She had a presence about her that made me want to see more. But we cannot be ignorant of the fact that she has money and comes from money. If she truly cared for the plight of the WGA, she would take money out of her own pocket to help her staff and picket with them. Instead she is apologizing with no plans to change her actions, essentially negating the apology.
When you say that the situation is complex, you’re totally right. The rich do not want to let go of their wealth and make the playing field a little bit more even. And Drew Barrymore’s actions make it clear she’s ok with an unfair system. The same thing goes for the studios and streaming services that are dragging their feet. The WGA is asking for a living wage while the rich denying a living wage cuz reasons live on yachts, buy mansions, and make millions. The playing field is far from even. So #WGAStrong always and forever.