Actress-turned-chat show host Drew Barrymore has retracted an emotional apology video she had shared on social media following backlash over her decision of bringing back her talk show The Drew Barrymore Show amid the ongoing strikes in Hollywood.

In the now-deleted clip, Barrymore teared up as she “deeply” apologised to both writers and unions for returning to the small screen. However, she made it clear that despite the backlash over her decision, the September 18 premiere of the fourth season of her daytime talk show would go on.

“I deeply apologise to writers. I deeply apologise to unions,” she said in the long video shared on her Instagram.

“I believe there’s nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it OK,” she said, admitting that the situation was “complex” and “bigger” than her.

“We aren't going to break rules and are going to be in compliance… I just want everyone to know my intentions have never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone. It’s not who I am,” she concluded.

Barrymore announced on September 10 that her talk show will premiere its fourth season on September 18.

The Drew Barrymore Show is not covered under SAG-AFTRA’s struck TV/Theatrical/Streaming contract. It is under SAG-AFTRA’s Network Television Code — a contract covering morning news shows, talk shows, soap operas and game shows.

However, the show is covered under the WGA’s film and TV contract, which is part of the strike. The actress has said that the new season is returning without its WGA writers.

"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,” wrote the Writers Guild Of America, East on X.

Barrymore’s decision to return to her show amid Hollywood strikes was criticised by several notable writers and actors who had previously worked with the actress.