Sharon Osbourne leaves discussion after racism inquiry

CBS, Julie Chen, Leah Remini, Meghan Markle, Piers Morgan, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, The Talk

Sharon Osbourne leaves discussion after racism inquiry

Photo credit: Axelle / Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic

After CBS temporarily put The Talk on hold after  Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne fiercely defended against charges of racism earlier this month, the network announced on Friday that Osbourne had chosen not to return to the talk show by day.

"Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk," CBS said in a statement released by the Hollywood Journalist. “The events of the March 10 show shocked everyone involved, including the viewing audience at home.

As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon's behavior towards his co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values ​​for a respectful workplace. We also found no evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blinded any of the hosts. "

“At the same time, we recognize that the network and studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are responsible for what happened on this broadcast, as it was clear that the co-hosts were not properly.

prepared by staff for a complex and sensitive discussion. involving race, ”the network's statement continues. “During this week’s break, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and trainings on equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for hosts, producers and the crew.

Going forward, we are identifying plans to improve production staff and produce procedures to better serve hosts, production and, ultimately, our viewers.

On March 10, Sharon Osbourne flared up when she defended her personal friend and British TV personality Piers Morgan against allegations of racism stemming from her on-air criticism of Meghan Markle, in particular her insistence that she lied about his treatment by the British royal family.

Markle's recent interview with Oprah Winfrey was the topic of conversation on The Talk That Day. “I really feel like I'm about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who a lot of people think is racist, so that makes me a racist?” Said Osbourne to co-host Sheryl Underwood, demanding Underwood "educated" her on how Morgan could be racist.

After the segment, Osbourne publicly apologized for her collapse and later said she had been "erected" by the producers to be a "sacrificial lamb".

After the segment, which prompted CBS to put the show on hiatus for two days and then later two weeks, former Talking co-host Holly Robinson Peete claimed Osbourne called her "too ghetto" to host the daytime talk show, and had even contributed to his eventual dismissal from the program.

Another former Talk co-host, Leah Remini, along with other sources later alleged that Osbourne used racist and homophobic slurs to talk about former co-hosts Julie Chen and Sara Gilbert, respectively.

Osbourne has denied the charges against her, calling them "lies" in a press release issued by her press secretary. The Talk is currently scheduled to return on Monday, April 12, after a pre-scheduled hiatus the week before.

Keywwords:  CBS, Julie Chen, Leah Remini, Meghan Markle, Piers Morgan, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, The Talk