Sharon Osbourne is no longer going to appear on a US talk show following a heated on-air discussion about racism.
It came after her friend Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain after saying he didn’t believe that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, had considered suicide when unhappy with her life in the Royal Family.
Osbourne, 68, had clashed with her co-hosts on The Talk as she defended Morgan – with CBS concluding her behaviour “did not align with our values for a respectful workplace”.
Osbourne clashed with fellow presenter Sheryl Underwood. Pic: AP
Fellow presenter Underwood, who is black, had asked Osbourne on the 10 March broadcast: “What would you say to people who may feel that, while you’re standing by your friend, it appears that you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?”
Osbourne replied angrily and used several words that were bleeped out, adding: “I feel even 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.”
She then told Underwood: “Don’t try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me.”
Osbourne challenged the comedian and actress to reveal when she had heard Morgan saying racist things.
Although she later said she was “truly sorry” if she had caused offence with her comments, The Talk has been off the air while CBS performed an investigation into the broadcast.
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In a statement, the network said: “Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk.
“The events of the 10 March broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home.
“As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behaviour towards her co-hosts during the 10 March episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”
CBS added that “it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race”.
The Talk is to return on 12 April – and in the meantime, the programme’s hosts, producers and crew are set to complete “workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness”.
