Sharon Osbourne will leave The Talk after an on-air argument over the Duchess of Sussex and Piers Morgan. Photo / AP
Sharon Osbourne will leave The Talk after an on-air argument over the Duchess of Sussex and Piers Morgan. Photo / AP
Sharon Osbourne will no longer appear on the popular show The Talk following investigations into the star's on-air meltdown earlier this month and disturbing allegations of racism her by colleagues.
CBS said the embattled media personality "has decided to leave The Talk" due to the outcome of the internal review, further stating that Osbourne's behaviour "did not align with our values for a respectful workplace".
The 68-year-old is signing off from the show after 11 years, having joined the panel when it first aired in 2010.
During the now-infamous March 10 dust-up, Osbourne passionately defended famous friend Piers Morgan for his comments about Meghan Markle's explosive Oprah Winfrey interview.
The panel were debating whether Morgan's comments were racist, resulting in an outburst from Osbourne during which she talked over her co-host Sheryl Underwood several times.
"I will ask you again, Sheryl – I've been asking you during the break, and I'm asking you again. And don't try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me," she screamed at black co-host Sheryl Underwood as the conservation heated up.
"You tell me, educate me, when you have heard (Piers) say racist things. Educate me! Tell me!"
The outburst prompted swift backlash with viewers, with one dubbing it a "career-ending" meltdown.
The US talk show then cancelled its episodes on Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 16, to probe further into the matter.
"We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace," CBS said in a previous statement to Fox News.
"All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review."
So @CBS has yanked The Talk off air while it investigates the ‘scandal’ of @MrsSOsbourne defending me when @sherylunderwood said I was ‘racist’ for disbelieving Meghan Markle. The REAL scandal is me being branded a racist for refusing to believe a liar. pic.twitter.com/KPu8ZB2YKo
In its newest statement about the episode, CBS said: "The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home.
"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."
Osbourne posted a public apology on Friday, March 12, tweeting that she felt "panicked" and "blindsided" that people might think she was racist, so she "got defensive and allowed my fear and horror of being accused of being racist take over. There are very few things that hurt my heart more than racism so to feel associated with that spun me fast! I am not perfect, I am still learning like the rest of us and will continue to learn, listen and do better."
Days later, she doubled down on claims she was set up by her co-hosts during the discussion.
Sitting down with Entertainment Tonight to tell her side of the story, she said what unfolded on air was a betrayal from her co-hosts after a pact they made in February never to surprise each other with questions.
Sharon Osbourne will leave The Talk after an on-air argument over the Duchess of Sussex and Piers Morgan. Photo / AP
"I feel like this was the biggest set-up ever, and I'm falling into it and I'm going deeper down this hole," she said.
During the explosive argument, she had said to her colleagues: "I've been set up.
"How dare you all do this to me? I'm your sacrificial lamb."
CBS today stated The Talk will return with new episodes on Monday, April 12, following its hiatus.
"During this week's hiatus, we are co-ordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew," the network said.
"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."
