SHARON Osbourne has reportedly hired a lawyer amid fears she’ll be fired from The Talk after her heated clash with Sheryl Underwood.
The presenter, 68, is rumored to be leaving the CBS talk show after defending Piers Morgan‘s criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Sharon is reportedly being represented by lawyer Jeremiah Reynolds of the LA law firm Eisner in her negotiations with CBS.
The network is currently investigating reports of a “racially insensitive and hostile environment” on the talk show.
Amid the allegations, a source told Page Six: “Sharon wasted no time in getting her lawyers immediately on the case.
“Jeremiah Reynolds has a very strong reputation as a trial and arbitration lawyer and is handling all her negotiations with CBS.”
Sharon has been under fire since getting into a heated debate with The Talk panelist Sheryl, during which she defended her friend Piers over his harsh criticism of Meghan over the years.
During the on-air fight, Sharon snapped: “Did I like everything [Piers] said? Did I agree with what he said? No. Because it’s his opinion. It’s not my opinion.
“I support him for his freedom of speech, and he’s my friend. I’m not racist – I don’t care what color or what religion anyone is. Are you a nice person? That’s what I judge you on.”
Sheryl argued: “What would you say to people who may feel that while you’re standing by your friend, it appears you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?”
Sharon hit back: “I very much 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? What does it gotta do with me?”
Sheryl looked like she might cry and Sharon also grew tearful, continuing: “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.
“Educate me. Tell me when you have heard him say racist things.”
Sheryl claimed Piers showed “racial implications with the way he spoke about Meghan” last time he appeared on their talk show.
The Celeb Report exclusively revealed last week that CBS staffers are certain that Sharon won’t be returning to the show.
A source told The Celeb Report Sharon is “not expected to return.”
“The lawyers seem to be battling out regarding money, letting her spin it, non-disparagement and more. It’s all happening at the highest levels of the network.
“It’s all out of control and taking too long.”
Other sources told OK! that CBS might fire Sharon to protect fellow CBS star Gayle King’s close relationship with Harry and Meghan.
Gayle has repeatedly defended the Harry and Meghan, especially after their explosive interview with Oprah earlier this month.
