National Book Awards drops Drew Barrymore after she violates writers' strike by bringing her show back on air

Actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore will no longer be hosting the National Books Awards after the foundation rescinded her invitation on Tuesday. The decision was made after Barrymore resumed production of her CBS show, The Drew Barrymore Show, despite Hollywood writers being on strike.

Barrymore brought her show back on air without writers, and promised that, when interviewing Hollywood celebrities, they would not talk about any union projects that are being released by studios.

The National Book Foundation, which praised Barrymore's upcoming speaking engagement by saying she was the "best host" they have had in years, suggested that Barrymore failed to stand in solidarity with the writers, and that this is why they rescinded her invitation.

"The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture," the National Book Foundation said in a statement, according to AP. "In light of the announcement that 'The Drew Barrymore Show' will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore's invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony."

At least three of the writers on Barrymore's show are members in the writers guild, which has been on strike since the beginning of May. On Monday, those writers protested in front of the CBS Broadcast Building, according to the outlet. They will not be returning to work.

Chelsea White, one of the show's writers, told the outlet that the three of them will not be returning until a contract has been reached.

"I think first and foremost, this is obviously way bigger than just 'The Drew Barrymore Show' and writers. We are out here standing with our union and feeling great and excited always to stand with our union," White said. "The only people I know for sure that are not going back are us three WGA writers. And the rest, I can't really speak for."

Despite the criticism Barrymore recieved when announcing the return of her show, the actress said she stands by her decision, writing in an Instagram post on Sunday: "Making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, that may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me."


 

"I own this choice," the 50 First Dates actress added.

Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike since May, and many individuals across social media pointed out that hardly anyone has noticed, suggesting that they might not be as important as they proclaim to be.

The awards show, frequently referred to as the Academy Awards of the publishing industry, is planned for November 15.