Three days before she was set to front the live event, Drew Barrymore stepped down from hosting the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards on May 7 in solidarity with the striking writers.
“I have listened to the writers, and in order to truly respect them, I will pivot from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live,” The Drew Barrymore Show host said in a statement to Variety. “Everything we celebrate and honor about movies and television is born out of their creation. And until a solution is reached, I am choosing to wait but I’ll be watching from home and hope you will join me.”
After Drew stepped down, the network pivoted to a pre-taped broadcast and canceled the red carpet. But the Charlie’s Angels star promised to return to host the festivities next year.
“I thank MTV, who has truly been some of the best partners I have ever worked with,” Drew continued. “And I can’t wait to be a part of this next year, when I can truly celebrate everything that MTV has created, which is a show that allows fans to choose who the awards go to and is truly inclusive.”
