Star Sharon Osbourne has left ‘The Talk’ after the chat show aired a testy argument over racial issues with co-host Sheryl Underwood, CBS has confirmed.
She defended Piers Morgan after he ranted about Meghan Markle following her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The 68-year-old has spent a decade with the daytime show and has now decided to leave following a two-week hiatus.
The controversy began when Osbourne defended pal Piers, who quit Good Morning Britain after receiving furious backlash over his criticism of the Duchess of Sussex.
CBS confirmed the exit and released a statement which reads: “The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home.
“As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behaviour toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.
“We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts.”
Sharon’s exit comes after the show announced it would suspend filming while it investigated allegations the atmosphere was “racially insensitive”.
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During the episode on March 10, the 68-year-old star spoke about being called a racist for supporting Piers after his rant on Good Morning Britain.
Sharon said: “I feel like I’m about to be put in an electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist.”
She then urged other hosts to tell her “what he’s uttered that’s racist”.
Co-host Sheryl Underwood responded to the challenge by saying the “implication” of Morgan dismissing Meghan Markle was racist, rather than the words he said.
(Image: CBS/The Talk)
Osbourne replied: “Why can’t it be he just doesn’t like her? Why does it have to be racist?”
After the heated debate, Osbourne tweeted a lengthy apology in which she said she does not “condone racism, misogyny or bullying”.
The statement from CBS continued: “At the same time, we acknowledge the Network and Studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race.
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
“During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew.
“Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers.
“‘The Talk’ will return with original episodes on Monday, April 12, 2021, following the pre-scheduled hiatus the week of April 5th.”
Osbourne, who married heavy metal star Ozzy Osbourne, first found fame after starring in “The Osbournes”, a reality MTV show that followed the family, including two of their children, Kelly and Jack.
She also appeared as a judge on The X Factor and America’s Got Talent.
Osbourne has been on The Talk since it came on the air in 2010.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
