Drew Barrymore is facing backlash over her decision to resume her daytime talk show despite the ongoing Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike.

Barrymore gave an explanation on social media, saying “I own this choice” and that The Drew Barrymore Show was “bigger than me”.

The show host and actress said she was making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike “for our show”.

“I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind,” she stated.

“Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time.

“I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience.

“I hope for a resolve for everyone as soon as possible. We have navigated difficult times since we first came on air. And so I take a step forward to start season 4 once again with an astute humility.”

Barrymore’s announcement drew immediate condemnation online.

Drew Barrymore tried to explain her decision on Instagram. Image: Instagram

“This is not humility. It’s a lot of things but not that. You are stabbing us all in the back, make no mistake, and trying to act as if it’s something noble,” posted writer Alexander Chee.

Actress Kirsten Vangsness wrote: “I’m sad about this choice. I hope you change your mind. You are lovely and this choice is not lovely.”

Another posted to Barrymore’s Instagram: “Convincing yourself you’ve done the right thing is different than doing the right thing. Don’t cross the picket line – and if you are going to strikebreak … at least have the decency to not gaslight your audience into thinking you’re exhibiting ethical leadership and solidarity,” wrote one social media follower.”

The Writers’ Guild of America, which represents about 11,500 film and television writers, walked off the job on May 2 after negotiations reached an impasse over compensation, minimum staffing of writers’ rooms and residual payments in the streaming era, among other issues.

They were joined on the picket lines on July 14 by members of the Screen Actors Guild, effectively halting most US film and scripted television production.