Drew Barrymore and Martha Stewart Address Speculation That They Have ‘Beef’

There’s no bad blood between Drew Barrymore and Martha Stewart!

The author, 84, returned to The Drew Barrymore Show on Monday, Sept. 29, nearly one year after the viral moment where she playfully pushed the host, 50, away for being too touchy. In the recent episode, the pair addressed the controversy and dispelled rumors of a feud.

“People thought that we had beef — or that you had beef with me over that — and I didn’t get it,” Barrymore told Stewart. “I was so surprised.”

“Oh, I just don’t like to be petted on television,” Stewart replied, to which Barrymore said, “Understood, Martha. I won’t pet you again.” 

Stewart also admitted that she watches the daytime talk show, and noted that Barrymore pets “a lot of people.”

“She’s a very cozy girl, don’t you think?” the lifestyle mogul quipped to the audience. “I’m not so cozy.” 

Acknowledging her tendency toward physical touch, Barrymore joked that “it’s certainly not putting anyone off or turning them away because we’re all on the Martha Stewart feeder!”

“It’s true,” the actress added. “And I think you’ve given people a lot of confidence in life through maintaining being true to yourself. That’s been a very guiding light for us.”

In November 2024, Stewart made her debut on The Drew Barrymore Show, during which the awkward interaction took place.

“What makes you soft and gooey?” Barrymore asked, leading Stewart to contemplate her response. “Treatment,” she said.

Barrymore then began petting Stewart’s shoulder as she repeated, “Soft and gooey treatment. When you’re treated like a lady.”

“Of course. It’s nice,” replied Stewart, before jokingly shoving Barrymore over and saying, “You’re the wrong gender.”

When Barrymore exaggeratedly fell back on the couch, the audience clapped and laughed along with the women.

The 50 First Dates alum later cleared the air during a segment of Watch What Happens Live in February.

“I think she was just teasing,” she said of Stewart. “I’ve never been able to say this before with confidence, but I can now — I think Martha really does like me.”

Barrymore explained that she felt like the “internet just misunderstood the moment and ran with it,” but insisted there was no tension between them.

The mom of two also admitted that “can’t actually control” her tendency to get close to her guests when they join her on the couch, despite the fact that she’s been warned about it.

“I got focus-grouped when we launched and it was not good. It was awful,” she revealed.

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The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS (check local listings).