Drew Barrymore Under Fire for Allegedly Disrespecting Kamala Harris with “Momala” Remark

Charles Blow, a New York Times Columnist, called out Drew Barrymore as a talk show host in his column Thursday. He claimed that she insulted Vice President Harris by calling her “Momala” in her interview.

During Barrymore’s interview with the Vice President, the host of the talk show said: “We need to you be Momala for the country.” Harris stated that her stepchildren call her “Momala,” while the audience cheered Barrymore’s remarks.

Blow said that he did not think Barrymore intended any harm. However, he added, “even mild and oblivious stereotypes can be harmful. It’s important to explore why this comment may seem innocuous for some but offensive to others.”

The New York Times columnist claimed that Barrymore had disrespected Harris in her praise for the vice president. Blow said that while Barrymore held Harris high in regard, she had done so with “a historical blindness”.

Blow pointed out several stereotypes Black Women face and said, “In this instance, the stereotype is that of mammy – the caretaker — the bosom on which everyone can rest, and the apron that we have the right to hang.”

He said that Harris’s private stories, and even her anecdotes, should be kept separate from her political duties.

He continued, “She is being asked to comfort and nourish the country rather than represent it dutifully. This is demeaning, and keeps Black women bound to historical mythologies.”

Blow said that “every White Man before her” had served the U.S. administration, and that Black women shouldn’t be burdened to “comfort the country in this time of crisis.”

The vice president talked about how important it is to never let “anyone take your power”, and be intentional about “what you can do” before addressing her laugh.

My staff will sometimes show me small things that amuse me. Harris explained that some people are fascinated by the way she laughs.

Barrymore said that she loves the laugh of Vice President Harris.

“I laugh like my mother and I was raised around women who were always laughing from the gut. “They laughed — they sat around the kitchen drinking coffee and telling stories with loud laughter,” Harris said.

Harris, who had imitated a high-pitched laugh, said that she would never tone it down.

“I am not that person. I think it is important to remind ourselves and our young ones to not be limited by other people’s perception of what this looks like and how to act. Right? “It’s important”, she said.

Barrymore repeatedly emphasized the importance of voting after the Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe-v Wade.

“I believe that you protect women. I believe that you put yourself in front of them to show how much care and concern you have for them. This is what we’ve wanted for many generations: a woman in power.” Barrymore said that when you were elected, it felt like we had finally arrived. This is the first instance I have felt like the deck was stacked against me because of my reproductive rights, among other things.