Sharon Osbourne denies calling The Talk co-star Holly Robinson Peete ‘too ghetto’

THE Talk host Sharon Osbourne has been forced to deny calling co-star Holly Robinson Peete as “too ghetto” in an emotional Instagram post.

Sharon, who was at the centre of discussions last week over her pal Piers Morgan’s claim he “didn’t believe” Meghan Markle’s claims in her bombshell Oprah interview, is again in the spotlight with regard to The Talk’s first ever host, 56.

It comes after TV bosses confirmed The Talk is on a two-day hiatus this week after Sharon’s spat with Sheryl Underwood, relating to Piers, which left both presenters in tears.

Meanwhile Holly, who fronted the show in 2010, has dredged up issues from the past and claimed The Osbournes star had got her fired.

She took to her Instagram page to write: “I’m old enough to remember when Sharon, 68, complained that I was too ‘ghetto’ for #theTalk … then I was gone.

“I bring this up now bc I was mortified watching the disrespectful condescending tone she took w/her co-host who remained calm & respectful because … she HAD to.’

“I’ve always been a highroad girl but when I watched what everyone else saw on my former show … it triggered me and I wanted to speak out.”

Yet after sharing an email sent from 21 Jump Street actress Holly, mum of three Sharon insisted she “never uttered those words.”

She then uploaded a screenshot of an email, which she claims was sent by Holly in 2011, which she said “speaks for itself.”

In her full reply, she wrote: “In response to @hollyrpeete Holly Robinson Peete’s accusation of me getting her fired from @thetalkcbs and saying she was “too ghetto” to be on The Talk.

“I never once uttered those words and I am sharing an e mail sent to me from Holly one month after she was let go by CBS.

“As I have stated before, I have never had the ability/authority to get anyone fired from @thetalkcbs and Ms. Peete’s email speaks for itself.”

One fan quickly responded: “Stand by you,” as another posted: “Wow Mrs O I’m saddened to see what this has become. Never doubted your character.”

The Talk’s hiatus comes after CBS launched an investigation over the conflict, which they’ve now labeled as under “internal review.”

Deadline broke the news that the episodes have been postponed for early next week, and revealed that the scheduled guests Elizabeth Vargas and Carly Pearce will no longer be in attendance.

An inside source has confirmed the two-day hiatus to The Celeb Report, as they shared “staff is blindsided and were not given an explanation.” 

In a statement on Friday, CBS shared: “We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.

“All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review.”

Sharon came under public scrutiny on Wednesday when she stood up for her friend Piers Morgan during a conversation with Sheryl Underwood on The Talk.

Sheryl claimed that Piers showed “racial implications with the way he spoke about Meghan” while guest starring on the show in the past.

The British TV personality clapped back: “Why is it that because I supported a longtime friend and work colleague for years, people go ‘well you must be racist because he’s racist.’ 

“No. I support his freedom of speech. I’m not racist and neither is Piers racist.

“What have I ever said about anybody that’s racist? It’s not within me. It’s not in my soul.”

She continued: “I have friends in my life and I speak up for my friend. If he ever needed me, I’d be there for him.”

“But I 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.”

The pair continued to argue their opinions and after the episode a source previously revealed to The Celeb Report that both sides “refused to apologize.” 

The insider said: “Sheryl and Elaine did not want to look weak to the black community who think they went out of their way to educate Sharon. Sharon does not trust that Sheryl and Elaine wouldn’t bury her further on air. 

“She does not want to apologize when she feels she was attacked on air for supporting a friend. It was an impasse and there is still tension you can cut with a knife.”

The source continued: “The damage is done. Mrs. O will never forgive Sheryl for ambushing her with that question and seeming to paint her out to be racist on live television. That bridge is forever burned. 

“Mrs. O left the set sobbing yesterday so hurt by what transpired.”

A bit later Sharon did issue an apology on her Instagram page, writing: “After some reflection, after sitting with your comments and sitting with my heart I would like to address the discussion on The Talk this past Wednesday.

“I have always been embraced with so much love and support from the black community and I have deep respect and love for the black community. To anyone of colour that I offended and/or anyone that feels confused and let down by what I said I am sorry.

“I felt panicked, truly blindsided, 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.

“Please hear me when I say I do not condone racism, misogyny or bullying. I should have been more specific about that in my Tweet.

“I will always support freedom of speech but now I see how I unintentionally did not make that clear distinction.

“I hope we can collectively continue to learn from each other and from ourselves so we can all continue to pave the way for much needed growth and change.

“The community on this platform means a lot to me.

“I hope we can all hold each other up with accountability, compassion and love during this powerful time of paving the way for so much needed change.”