“I just don’t like to be petted on television,” the businesswoman explained.
Martha Stewart and Drew Barrymore are putting to rest any rumors of a feud between them.
Last November, a moment on Barrymore’s talk show made headlines when Stewart gently pushed Barrymore, who was casually touching her shoulder, during a discussion about relationships. On Monday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, both clarified that the playful interaction was not the start of any real tension.
“People thought that we had beef or that you had beef with me over that and I didn’t get it,” Barrymore said. “I was so surprised.”
Stewart seemed just as surprised by the misunderstanding. “Oh, I just don’t like to be petted on television,” she explained, to which Barrymore responded sheepishly, “Understood, Martha. I won’t pet you again.”
The author and businesswoman noted that she was familiar with Barrymore’s show and knew the host often uses a more physical style in her interviews, including holding hands, rubbing shoulders, and hugging guests.
“You pet a lot of people,” Stewart said, adding for the audience, “She’s a very cozy girl, don’t you think? I’m not so cozy.”
Barrymore didn’t view the incident negatively. “It’s certainly not putting anyone off or turning them away because we’re all on the Martha Stewart feeder,” she said. “It’s true, and I think you’ve given people a lot of confidence in life by staying true to yourself. That’s been a real guiding light for us.”
During Stewart’s visit to the show last November, Barrymore began rubbing her shoulder while asking about what makes her feel “soft and gooey” in relationships. In response, Stewart rolled her eyes and lightly pushed her, saying, “You’re the wrong gender.”
Barrymore playfully fell to the other side of the couch and quipped, “I know! I know!”
This wasn’t the first time Barrymore addressed whether she and Stewart were on good terms. While appearing on Watch What Happens Live in February, the 50 First Dates actress explained that the moment had been blown out of proportion online.
“I think she was just teasing,” Barrymore said. “I’ve never been able to say this with confidence before, but I think I can now: I think Martha really does like me. The internet just misunderstood the moment and ran with it.”
Barrymore’s intimate interview style has drawn both praise and criticism over the six seasons of her talk show. She has acknowledged working on maintaining a bit more personal space with guests and, notably, stayed firmly on her side of the couch while speaking with Stewart on Monday.
That said, some guests, like Cynthia Erivo, have enjoyed Barrymore’s cozy approach. Just last week, Brett Goldstein even challenged her to a game of couch chicken, leaving the pair practically sitting in each other’s laps by the end of their chat.
The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS.