Drew Barrymore PULLS OUT of hosting MTV Movie & TV Awards in support of WGA strike

Drew Barrymore dramatically pulled out of her gig hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards in solidarity with the Hollywood writers’ strike.

The decision threw the event into chaos just three days before it airs on Sunday, with organizers now scrambling to hold the event without any host.

However, Drew, 48, has already signed up to win next year’s MTV Movie & TV Awards in an olive branch for the network, Variety reports.

Plans for Sunday’s ceremony remain up in the air, with producers left anxious to see if any of the other celebrities involved in the broadcast will follow in Drew’s footsteps and back out to support the union .

The Writers Guild Of America began its strike Tuesday night after negotiations with the studios fell through, citing sticking points such as outstanding payments in streaming’s evolving climate, as well as staffing requirements.

As a result, Sunday night’s awards ceremony had to fall back on unforeseen measures, such as scrapping the red carpet portion.

“I’ve listened to the writers and to really respect them, I’ll be hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live in solidarity with the strike,” Drew said.

“Everything we celebrate and honor about movies and television stems from their creation. And until a resolution is reached, I choose to wait, but I’m watching from home and hope you’ll join me,” she stated.

“Thank you to MTV, who are truly one of the best partners I’ve ever worked with. And I can’t wait to be a part of this next year when I can truly celebrate all that MTV has created, a show where fans can choose who the awards go to and that is truly inclusive,” her statement concluded.

Meanwhile, her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, has already finished filming the current season, which will therefore presumably be able to air unhindered, The Hollywood Reporter revealed.

While many series do not employ union writers during the day, The Talk does, and will therefore not be broadcast during the strike.

Kelly Clarkson’s daytime series also has a union writing staff, but has some pre-recorded episodes that it can fall back on at the moment.

Other series such as The View, Tamron Hall and Live With Kelly And Mark could continue this week.

Meanwhile: Her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, has already finished filming the current season, which will presumably go ahead uninterrupted

Insiders have pointed out that while The View writers have gone on strike, the long-running morning show continues largely unscripted.

Additionally, while Drew won’t be appearing live at Sunday’s awards show, her pre-recorded segments will likely still air.

Paramount Global executive Bruce Gillmer, who serves as an executive producer at the MTV Movie & TV Awards, shed more light on the turbulent circumstances.

One of Drew’s pre-recorded clips could be used as the opener for the show, he said, but the final decision on how to kickstart the event has yet to be made.

Apparently some of the future winners also pre-recorded their acceptance speeches, which can be used in that case.

“We will be super respectful of the talents’ decisions to either be involved in pre-tapes, show up, or not show up, whatever they decide. We have backup plans and coverage just in case, so I guess the short answer is, I’m not sure yet…” he said.

“There are also athletes and celebrity chefs and all sorts of other talent that isn’t directly affected,” he teasingly noted, “We’ll be looking for live talent in the room to help tell the story, but not necessarily host segments.” . We also have a very charismatic VO artist with us, so stay tuned.”

Some of the celebrities originally supposed to appear include Jamie Lee Curtis, Tiffany Haddish, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Gal Gadot.

Will they?: MTV has been left in suspense to see if other stars who will appear in the awards show – including Jamie Lee Curtis (left) and Tiffany Haddish (right) – will pull out as well

Glamorous as ever: Wonder Woman bombshell Gal Gadot, pictured at a Tiffany’s event in New York City, is also currently said to be at Sunday’s ceremony

Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber, Leonardo DiCaprio’s ex Camila Morrone, Robert Pattinson’s girlfriend Suki Waterhouse, Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough and singer Halle Bailey were also on the first roster.

Despite Drew’s decision to quit this year’s show, Bruce had nothing but warm words for her as he publicly commented on the proceedings.

“Drew, without a doubt, she’s been incredible. It’s hard to imagine we’ve ever had a better experience with a host. She’s more of a partner really, she’s in it every day, just super passionate and super engaged and creative. She’s even brought some of her own team along for the ride,’ he said.

“So when all of this came up, we started preparing for what could be. Not surprisingly, she shows solidarity with the writers, which we have every respect for. She has our full support,” Bruce assured Variety.