Speaking of daytime talk shows, everyone’s in a tizzy because Drew Barrymore is being picketed by SAG and WGA, but The View isn’t.  Let me explain the difference.  ABC puts The View under the purview of both the news and entertainment divisions.  As such, they are not performers, but personalities (like news anchors, for instance).  Secondly, while The View employs writers, none have been used since the strike.  All the cohosts are doing their own writing – vs. The Drew Barrymore Show which, I am told, has employed (dare I say) “scabs”.  Still, the buck stops with Barrymore, who defended returning to work by stating, “I own this choice.”  By the by, let’s nip this bit in the bud – yes, Sherri Shepherd and Bill Maher are poised to also return to the airwaves.  Since they are both comedians, they will be writing their own material.

Getting back to Drew, her people have been taking things to the next level.  While picketing in front of her studio, the WGA is handing out buttons and other literature.  Last week, two members of the audience were asked to leave before the taping began.  Why?  Because they were wearing the WGA pins!  They offered to remove the offending accessories, but they were already tagged for ousting.  What did the ejected audience members do?  They joined the picket line!  This is like the best story I’ve heard all week!  In fact, one of the people said, “It has changed my perspective on her and the show in general.  I’ve been completely alarmed and disheartened by this whole process.”  YES!

It only got worse for Drew.  She was abruptly dropped as host of an awards show in light of all the negative press.  And those awards were being given out by the National Book Foundation!  Oh, the indignity – to be dropped by books!  Imagine how much more insulting it would be if she read!  Drew released a video, tearfully defending herself.  This prompted Bradley Whitford to say, “Drew Barrymore would like you to know that undermining union solidarity at the most crucial moment in Hollywood labor history makes her the victim.  This has been, like, a super tough week for her.”  Enter Rosie O’Donnell, telling it like it is: “Stop taping the show.  Stop asking audiences to cross the picket line.  Then ask someone to help you craft three declarative sentences.  They should follow along these lines: I made an error.  I apologize to the WGA for disrespecting the work of professional writers.  I apologize to all union members who are withstanding real hardship as I live a life of luxury.”

And just like that…Drew broke.  “I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until after the strike is over.  I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today.  We really tried to find our way forward.  And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry soon.”  OK, four sentences.

When Drew has no words and the Jackmans have no further statement, we’ve definitely come to the end of another column.  I’d like to share a few words on the passing of actor Billy Miller.  He was adorable and the perfect combination of silly and sexy.  Of course, that same combination can also be found on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that lets the pictures (and videos) do the talking.  If you simply must hear from me directly, drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I actually am served a Krispy Kreme!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.