Drew Barrymore came into criticism on Monday to announce her show, The Drew Barrymore Show, would return this week without its writers. 

The criticism comes after Barrymore previously said she had supported the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike and SAG-AFTRA, both of which have been on strike since May. 

In an Instagram post to defend resuming the show, Barrymore writes, “I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind.”

In a contrasting post, the Writers Guild of America East writes, “The Drew Barrymore Show WGA writers, fans, and our union allies held the picket line for 8+ hours outside of CBS. The Guild has and will continue to picket-struck shows that are in production during the strike. Any writing on “The Drew Barrymore Show” is in violation of WGA strike rules.” 

Although Barrymore’s show does currently fall under the Network Television Code Contract, it does not fall under the same category as other shows and productions that fall under the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP), which refused to reach a fair deal for actors, resulting in an actor’s strike with SAG-AFTRA.  This code, however, means that other shows such as morning news shows like Good Morning America and others such as Family Feud are not obligated to go on strike because of the different guidelines related to its writers. However, other hosts like Bill Maher have decided to resume shows without writers, violating the WGA strike. 

Even though the show won’t air until Monday, September 18th, many members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have expressed their disappointment with the show resuming on air. Many have called Barrymore a “scab,” which refers to “a person who refuses to join a labor union or strike or who takes over the responsibility of a striking worker or union” after Barrymore had kicked out two audience members wearing WGA pins in support of the strike. Others have pointed out Barrymore’s previous solidarity with striking workers, with many now rescinding their support after she canceled to host the MTV Movie & TV Awards in May to support the WGA. 

Currently, 97% of WGA members are on strike, and about 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members are on strike. Both unions seek support for better working conditions, better wages, protection against writing practices such as AI, and better residuals.