Drew Barrymore is catching flak for her latest interview with Vice President Kamala Harris the place she awkwardly inspired her to be the “Momala” of the nation. Detractors of the uncomfortable chat are calling it “cringey” with some even likening Barrymore’s remark to her asking the primary Black and South Asian VP to be the “mammy” of america.
Supply: Slaven Vlasic/ Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Photographs for Albie Awards / Getty Photographs for the New York Instances
Viewers of the actress-turned-daytime speak present host’s Monday episode of The Drew Barrymore Present (April 29) have been unsettled when the 49-year-old star requested Harris if she might function “Momala” whereas pointing to the continued social and financial challenges throughout the nation, together with tensions with overseas nations, as compelling causes for the Vice President to take a number one function.
“I’ve been considering that we actually all want an amazing hug on the earth proper now,” Barrymore stated, as she sat extraordinarily near Harris, 59, staring into the Democrat’s eyes with longing.
“However in our nation, we’d like you to be Momala of the nation… We’d like an ideal protector.”
Barrymore then reached in and grabbed Harris’ hand, consoling the Vice President, who appeared uncomfortable through the odd alternate.
Looking for to revive ease to the dialog, the VP gracefully steered the dialogue again on observe.

Supply: ROBYN BECK / Getty
She emphasised her unwavering dedication to defending the American folks amid the current political and financial uncertainties. Harris additionally voiced her frustration that her resilience and “energy” as Vice President have usually gone unnoticed, overshadowed by slim perceptions of energy in management, which are inclined to prioritize confrontation and “who you beat down” over serving to others.
“In case you ever need some objection indication of your particular person energy, see what you are able to do to assist different folks,” Harris added. “And it may be only a easy act together with simply taking some curiosity and truly listening to how individuals are feeling and to sincerely have some curiosity or care about their well-being or their struggling. I believe everyone knows that’s what we wish in one another. That’s what we wish from leaders…that’s actually what energy seems to be like. That’s the sort of energy that we wish.”
After The Drew Barrymore Present aired, viewers flocked to X to share their reactions to the weird clip, some stated it was actually “bizarre” and “uncomfortable” to see Drew sitting too near the Vice President.

Supply: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Photographs for Albie Awards / Getty
“That is embarrassing. Drew Barrymore is nearly in her lap,” one consumer penned.
Different netizens felt just like the “Momala” remark got here off cringeworthy and cult-ish and likened it to her calling Harris a “mammy.”
Previous to the marginally awkward “Momala” second within the interview, Harris candidly mentioned the fragile stability of her duties as Vice President alongside her function as a stepmother to her husband Douglass Emhoff’s two kids, Ella and Cole. Her stepchildren have been answerable for coining the affectionate time period “Momala,” in keeping with Elle.
Harris stated she works collectively as a staff with Kerstin Emhoff, Cole, and Ella’s organic mother, to verify they’re raised in a cheerful and loving atmosphere.
“We’re on the identical staff about parenting. We respect one another and we like one another,” she instructed Barrymore.
“I believe what’s actually necessary and can make it work is when all the adults who’re in that dynamic have respect for one another and perceive that this isn’t about territorial possession, proper. However it’s about respect. And I used to be very clear with the youngsters. I’m not right here to interchange your mom. You might have that one mom and I’m the second mom, “Momala,” and I believe that when the adults are actually clear about you realize, a dedication to mature relationships, it makes it a lot simpler for the youngsters as a result of kids don’t wish to have to decide on,” she added.
Watch the complete interview beneath.