SHARON Osbourne has left The Talk following mass backlash for her controversial comments about race.
On Friday, CBS released a statement confirming the daytime series will also continue to be on hiatus for the foreseeable future while the cast makes its transition.
“Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk,” CBS announced on Friday.
“The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home.
“As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.
“We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts,” it added.
The network continued: “At the same time, we acknowledge the network and studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast.
“As it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race.
“During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew.
“Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers.”
The British personality has been a main fixture on the program since it first premiered in 2010 – making her the only person who has remained on the cast since the beginning.
However, the audience seemed to turn on Sharon, 68, after she got into a tense argument with co-host Sheryl Underwood regarding Piers Morgan’s “racially insensitive” behavior toward Meghan Markle.
The show was shaken up after Sharon continually defended ex Good Morning Britain anchor Piers’ after he slammed the Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The program was shaken up after Sharon, 68, made it clear she was in ex Good Morning Britain anchor Piers’ corner after he slammed the Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
However, Sharon’s co-host Sheryl, 57, did not see eye-to-eye with her after Ozzy Osbourne‘s wife said she was supporting Piers’ “freedom of speech.”
They exchanged words as Sharon ended up in tears during the heated segment – while also quipping at Sheryl to “not cry.”
While Sharon eventually clarified her position and views on Instagram, she did end up blaming the on-air fight on the network, claiming she was “blindsided.”
Sharon was met with more racially insensitive accusations after her ex-costar, Holly Robison Peete, claimed the mother of three said she was “too ghetto” for the program – an accusation that the former America’s Got Talent judge denied.
More to follow…
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