Valerie Bertinelli Defends Drew Barrymore’s Touchy Interview Style

Valerie Bertinelli has Drew Barrymore’s back when it comes to criticisms over the TV host’s “touchy-feely” interview style.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on Friday, January 31, Barrymore, 49, Bertinelli, 64, and Ross Mathews, 45, spoke about the E.T. actress’ trademark hosting technique.

Barrymore referenced a 2017 Wired article about studies that claimed human touch has a number of benefits including increasing happiness and success as well as minimizing stress.

“I may or may not have brought this story to the news desk because I’m known to glom on to other humans,” Barrymore said. “I also just may not be your cup of tea and you may not want at all to be touched. And I’m so sorry for that.”

However, Bertinelli rebuffed her apology, reassuring Barrymore that it was unnecessary.

“Do not apologize for being so authentic,” Bertinelli told Barrymore. “I mean, touch is what keeps us connected. Communication is what keeps us in. You are communicating and touching. You are doing your job. That’s what you’re here on this Earth to do.”

Echoing the sentiment, Matthews agreed that there was no need for Barrymore to apologize for being overly touchy.

“It’s so authentically you,” Matthews told her. “This is how you are. You couldn’t change you if you tried.”

Admitting that not every guest is as comfortable with being touched, Barrymore explained that she is just naturally a touchy-feely person.

“But I also know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea,” the actress added. “I was just happy to find out that there is scientific, neurological benefits.”

Barrymore has received backlash in the past for her friendly and tactile interview style, including when Martha Stewart appeared as a guest on the show in November 2024.

During Stewart’s appearance on the show, Barrymore looked to get a little touchy when discussing what made the celebrity cook “soft and gooey” on the inside.

“Soft and gooey treatment?” Stewart, 83, responded before Barrymore clarified, “When you’re treated like a lady.”

As Barrymore touched Stewart’s shoulder, the lifestyle guru playfully pushed her away while telling her, “You’re the wrong gender.”

In response, Barrymore joked, “I know! Although, the way it’s going with men, Martha, I’m not so sure anymore.”

Barrymore also referenced her tendency to touch people during an episode of her show in December 2024.

“I’m so touchy,” the host admitted. “People have to warn me, they’re like, ‘Back off a little bit.’ And I’m like, ‘Why?’”

Barrymore went on to explain that perhaps her current relationship status was behind the desire for human touch.

“Because physical connection — you know, I’m single, I’m not dating anyone,” Barrymore added. “I don’t have that in my life but I don’t know how I would ever hold back from holding hands, hugging, snuggling.”