On Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Drew Barrymore praised Maher for fearlessly speaking his mind, saying he did it “before it was so dangerous” and still does now — something she feels is too risky for her own career. Maher argued it’s actually less dangerous now, claiming left-wing censorship has waned since Democrats’ 2024 losses, but admitted he still fears a private remark could be used to ruin him. Barrymore’s comments drew criticism from some, including Megyn Kelly, who accused her of suddenly shifting away from the “woke” politics she’d long embraced, citing past moments like kneeling before transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney on her show and warmly campaigning with Vice President Kamala Harris. While Barrymore defended The View from Maher’s criticism, her appearance marked a more open discussion on free speech and cancel culture than she’s been known for in recent years.