Sharon Osbourne has a statement to make. Actually, I have a lot to say. And they’re all related to her current Internet reputation, which stems from a controversy in which she defended known bad guy Piers Morgan. Back in mid-March, Osbourne accused her co-hosts on The Talk of using racial and homophobic slurs.
Osbourne allegedly referred to Julie Chen as “wonton” and “slanty eyes,” while Sharon slammed Sara Gilbert as a “pussy licker” and a “fish eater.”
These allegations were made public after Osbourne used her platform on The Talk to defend Morgan, a long-time friend who said some pretty heinous things about Meghan Markle after the Duchess of Sussex spoke in depth to Oprah Winfrey.
Statements from Sharon Osbourne
“I’m angry, I’m hurt,” she said on Bill Maher’s HBO show Friday night when asked how she’s been feeling since leaving the show.
“I’ve been called a lot of things in my life… But being a racist is something I will not tolerate.”
CBS stated in a statement about Osbourne’s departure from the show last month that her behaviour “did not align with our values.”
“Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk,” the message said, referring to an episode in which Osbourne defended Morgan vehemently and adding:
“The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the home audience.”
Investigation
“CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace across all of our productions,” show reps said at the time in a statement to PEOPLE. “We’re also aware of the serious concerns expressed and discussions taking place about events on The Talk. This includes a procedure in which all voices are heard, claims are investigated, and appropriate action is taken as needed.”
Following a month-long hiatus, The Talk returned on Monday. Underwood, Carrie Ann Inaba, Elaine Welteroth, and Amanda Kloots, the remaining co-hosts, had an open discussion about “race and healing.” In a pre-recorded message that opened the show, Underwood stated that the episode would be “unlike any other we’ve had before” as the co-hosts “processed the events” from the March 10 episode.
During the discussion, Underwood stated that she did not want to “escalate things” at the time. “I thought I was talking to a friend, but I also knew I had to set a good example,” she explained, adding that she “didn’t want to be perceived as the angry Black woman” and “wanted to remain calm and focused.”
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