Drew Barrymore Says She Never Wished Her Mother Was Dead, Slams Tabloids in Emotional Video | “Don’t Twist My Words”

Drew Barrymore is speaking out about her complicated relationship with her mother. The 48-year-old slammed tabloids for "twist[ing] my words around" after Vulture published an interview in which she spoke candidly about her complicated relationship with her mother, Jaid Barrymore. The 50 First Dates star is slamming outlets for publishing stories that she said she wished her estranged mom were dead.

In an emotional video posted on June 5 on Instagram, she clarified her recent comments and captioned it "TO ALL YOU TABLOIDS."

"I have been vulnerable and tried to figure out a very difficult, painful relationship while admitting it is difficult to do while a parent is alive," she said. "And that for those of us who have to figure that out in real-time, ‘cannot wait’ as in they cannot wait for the time, not that the parent is dead." She added, "Don’t twist my words around or ever say that I wish my mother was dead. I have never said that." Barrymore continued, "I never would. In fact, I go on to say that ‘I wish that I never have to live an existence where I would wish that on someone.’ Because that is sick.”

The Charlie's Angels star was just seven years old when she shot to fame after her role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. But at the tender age of 12, she became an alcoholic and a drug addict. Instead of going to school, the Scream actress, as a child, used to accompany her mother to Studio 54 where she would be left alone in the company of grown men and women while Jaid partied. In no time, at just 8 years old, she was a "party girl." When she was 13, her mom sent her to a California drug rehab where she remained for nearly two years.

The star has long been candid about her turbulent childhood. Barrymore has also often spoken about her strained relationship with Jaid, from whom she was legally emancipated at 14. Despite her struggles, the actress continues to support Jaid financially.

In the Vulture profile published recently Drew told the outlet in the profile, in reference to her neighbors in New York City, “All their moms are gone, and my mom’s not,” adding, “And I’m like, Well, I don’t have that luxury. But I cannot wait. I don’t want to live in a state where I wish someone to be gone sooner than they’re meant to be so I can grow."

"I actually want her to be happy and thrive and be healthy," the Never Been Kissed actress added of her mother. "But I have to f------ grow in spite of her being on this planet." The actress clarified that she was not wishing negativity on her mother. “I dared to say it, and I didn’t feel good,” she told the outlet. “I do care. I’ll never not care. I don’t know if I’ve ever known how to fully guard, close off, not feel, build the wall up."

References:

https://www.vulture.com/article/drew-barrymore-show-profile.html

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtIAMOQAkiK/

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris