LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a surprising turn of events, three key writers of 'The Drew Barrymore Show' have announced their decision to not return to the talk show's fourth season.
Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon, and Liz Koe, the co-head writers who had been with the show since its inception, have rejected job offers on the backdrop of the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike.
What was 'The Drew Barrymore Show' controversy?
The controversy began when Drew Barrymore initially planned to resume her show's production during the height of the WGA strike, a decision that did not sit well with the writers and many fans alike.
White, Kinon, and Koe had been vocal about their concerns, even picketing outside the New York studios with signs advocating for union labor and expressing their opposition to Barrymore's decision.
White, one of the writers, expressed that it was "a bummer to hear that the show is going back because it sends a message that union writers are not valuable."
Kinon emphasized, "I understand that everybody has to do what they feel is best for them. For me and the WGA writers on the show, it's important for us to stick with our union. We deserve a fair contract, so we are here today outside," as per Daily Mail.
This staffing shake-up comes as 'The Drew Barrymore Show' announces its return date for the fourth season, scheduled for Monday, October 16.
The show had previously planned to return on September 18 but faced backlash for not aligning with the striking writers' cause. After public outcry and negative social media attention, Barrymore decided to delay the show's return until the strike had concluded.
'I’m so glad they are sticking up for themselves!'
Internet users did not mince their words while slamming Barrymore's work ethic. A user tweeted, "If she had waited in solidarity, the writers would have returned the love a hundred times over."
Another added, "Agree! She better treat her new writers better this time." "Absolutely! I’m so glad they are sticking up for themselves!" third tweeted.
"Good for them she should be ashamed!!!" read a tweet. "Oof. That's tough. Could have waited just one more week...," added another.
A user stated, "As they should! How disheartening it must been you’re fired from online news, rather than directly from her. She could’ve waited 2 weeks too."
