It was an entertaining—and somewhat awkward—moment when Martha Stewart and Drew Barrymore shared a couch on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” Martha, there to promote her landmark 100th cookbook, was met with Drew’s signature touchy-feely energy, a quality Barrymore fans have come to know well. However, this time, it seemed Martha wasn’t exactly a fan.
The interview took an interesting turn when Barrymore sidled up to Stewart on the oversized couch and, with her playful charm, asked the legendary homemaker if there was anything that made her feel “soft and gooey.” Stewart looked momentarily puzzled before responding, “Soft and gooey… treatment.”
Drew, visibly enjoying the exchange, repeated Martha’s words and gave her shoulder a friendly pat. But as Drew’s gentle touches turned into shoulder and arm strokes, the audience’s laughter and Martha’s raised eyebrows made it clear that the domestic doyenne was not entirely comfortable. With a classic Martha deadpan, she said, “You’re the wrong gender,” nudging Drew gently away. Drew fell back with a theatrical sigh, clearly amused but a bit flustered.
This isn’t the first time Barrymore’s hands-on approach has drawn attention. She’s known for her warm, up-close-and-personal style, frequently hugging or even sitting on her guests’ laps—a style that fans adore but one she admits isn’t for everyone.
After facing some backlash, Drew acknowledged the criticism, admitting that she struggles with personal boundaries on set, explaining that the pandemic was especially challenging for her. “I was alone in a studio by myself!” she told “Entertainment Tonight”, reflecting on how much she values being physically close to people. Her goal, she insists, is to create a “feel good” atmosphere on her show, which she views as a space for joy and connection.
Martha, meanwhile, maintained her signature grace, laughing along with the audience as she expertly navigated the lighthearted tension.
While their personalities might be worlds apart, the interaction showed a fun contrast between Barrymore’s tactile, spontaneous style and Stewart’s reserved poise. Drew, ever the open book, remains committed to making her show a place of learning and laughter—even if her enthusiasm sometimes steps a little too close for comfort.
Martha Stewart pushes Drew Barrymore away during touchy interview https://t.co/7bFARRoDbL pic.twitter.com/ReF3pJIcCm
— New York Post (@nypost) November 12, 2024
In the end, the exchange was a lighthearted reminder of how vastly different personalities can intersect, with Martha’s poised reaction only adding to her timeless charm and Drew’s playful persistence showing exactly why her show has such a loyal following.
As for Barrymore, she’s taken the feedback in stride, aiming to balance her enthusiasm with a little more personal space—a challenging task for someone who feels a “magnetic pull” to connect closely with everyone around her.
