Drew Barrymore finally speaks out on uncomfortable Martha Stewart TV moment

The talk show host and actress has spoken out on the viral interview moment she shared with a fellow celebrity.

Drew Barrymore insisted Martha Stewart was only joking when she pushed her away for being too touchy during an interview.

Andy Cohen asked the 50 First Dates star, 49, about last year’s viral moment with the lifestyle maven, 83, when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday.

“You know what? I think she was just teasing,” Barrymore said, to which the host agreed, reports Page Six.

The actress explained that she has come to the understanding that Stewart “really does like” her.

“I think the internet just misunderstood the moment and ran with it, because when I first was getting to know her, I was like, I don’t think she likes me, but I think I broke through. She doesn’t dislike me!” she added.

Barrymore has addressed her viral TV moment with Martha Stewart. Picture: Supplied

Viewers had described it as “cringey”. Picture: Supplied

The awkward interaction first made headlines in November 2024 when the cookbook author appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show.

The pair were talking about what makes Stewart feel “soft and gooey” on the inside while Barrymore caressed her back and arm.

However, Stewart quickly pushed Barrymore away from her and quipped, “You’re the wrong gender.”

Barrymore playfully fell back on the couch and replied, “I know … although, the way it’s going with men, though, Martha, I’m not so sure anymore.”

The Never Been Kissed star was previously called out for being “cringey” by holding Oprah Winfrey’s hand and stroking her arm during a December 2023 interview.

Barrymore leaned in to caress the lifestyle maven. Picture: Supplied

Stewart jokingly pushed her away. Picture: Supplied

However, Barrymore has become known for her touchy interview style on her talk show.

Cohen asked the Golden Globe winner on Wednesday whether there was a reason she sat “pupil to pupil” with her guests, to which she admitted she is not totally sure why she does it.

“I can’t actually control it,” she said. “I got focus-grouped when we launched, and it was not good. It was awful.”

Barrymore previously confessed that people have warned her to be less touchy, but she has not taken their advice.

“I’m so touchy!” she acknowledged in a December 2024 of her eponymous talk show. “People have to warn me. They’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’”

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Drew Barrymore finally speaks out on uncomfortable Martha Stewart TV moment