Drew Barrymore recently discussed her cringey viral interactions with Martha Stewart and other visitors on her self-titled talk show after fan backlash. During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen, alongside Nathaniel Eugene Burleson, Barrymore, 49, also explained her tendency to sit very near her guests.
Last week, the Charlie’s Angels actress humorously defended her habit of leaning in during conversations. Barrymore playfully invaded Burleson’s personal space when he inquired whether she had ever backed off due to a guest’s bad breath during such close moments. The Ever After alum responded: “All I’m thinking about also is “How’s my breath?” Here’s the best news, no one has had bad breath yet and I am like pupil to pupil and nobody has had bad breath.”
Drew Barrymore Admits She ‘Can’t Control’ Being A Close Talker After Fans Call Out Her ‘Unhinged’ Interview Behavior
The mom of two (who shares kids Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10, with her ex Will Kopelman) also mentioned that she can’t help but dramatically lean in during conversations. Barrymore revealed: “I don’t know, I can’t actually control it. Because we got focus groups when [The Drew Barrymore Show] launched and it was not good. It was awful.”
In August 2024, the E.T. star announced she would focus on maintaining personal space with her visitors in 2025, a point Burleson, 43, highlighted. When asked if she had made the previous correction, she replied that it was “not [going] well.”
After that, Cohen, 56, remembered the awkward moment between Barrymore and Stewart, 83, that became a hot topic of conversation after Barrymore got very close to the businesswoman during a December 2024 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.
In the widely-shared clip, Barrymore is seen leaning in towards Stewart, who, in the middle of their chat, laughingly pushed her away to maintain some space. "I think she was just teasing," Barrymore said when remembering the episode.
She added: "Like Martha, actually, I've never been able to say this before with confidence, but I can now. I think Martha really does like me."
The Golden Globe winner continued: "I think the internet just misunderstood the moment and ran with it,' she added. 'When I first was getting to know her I was like, "I don't think she likes me." But I think I broke through ... and she doesn't dislike me.'"
The Drew Barrymore Show is broadcast on CBS every weekday.
