Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
Following her controversial debate with co-host Sheryl Underwood, Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave the CBS talk show, “The Talk.”
“Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk,” read a statement. “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 behavior 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. 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. 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 news comes after Osbourne’s heated conversation with Underwood.
The former host defended her friend Piers Morgan who was recently slammed for criticizing Meghan Markle and her interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Osbourne asked Underwood to “educate” her about racism during the heated exchange. Following the show, Osbourne was accused of making past racist comments.
“Educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things,” Osbourne said. “I very much feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who many people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist?”
CBS has confirmed her departure, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
Osbourne apologized on Twitter, but the show suspended its production to launch an internal investigation. But things got worse for the former co-host when other allegations of past racist comments surfaced.
Following the show, Holly Robinson Peete accused Osbourne of calling her “too ghetto” and said it was why she was dismissed from the show.
Underwood will remain on the show with panelists Carrie Ann Inaba, Amanda Kloots, and Elaine Welteroth. It’s unknown if the show will replace Osbourne; however, it will return with original episodes starting Monday, April 12.
