CBS probes Sharon Osbourne's defense of Piers Morgan slamming Meghan Markle, 'The Talk' goes on hiatus
‘The Talk’ is reportedly taking a brief hiatus while CBS launched a probe into the heated exchange between Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood over Piers Morgan. The creators of the show canceled live shows for Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 16. It has also been said that journalist Elizabeth Vargas and singer Carly Pearce were expected to come on the canceled shows. However, Wednesday, March 17, shows will go live as per the schedule.
This comes after last Sharon Osbourne got into a heated argument on March 10 with Underwood while defending Morgan for his comment on Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts. Morgan had accused Meghan of lying about her mental health during her tell-all with Oprah Winfrey. He faced a huge backlash for his comments but Osbourne defended him as she told Underwood, who was about to cry at the moment, that she felt he was just expressing an opinion. "I know he has a right to say what he feels on the interview, as we have a right to say and everybody has a right to say what they feel with freedom of speech," she said, before asking Underwood not to cry, "Because if anyone should be crying, it should be me".
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“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,” CBS said in a statement on Friday, March 12, after launching an investigation into the matter.
However, this is not the only issue Osbourne is facing as on Saturday, March 14, she was forced to dismiss the claims that she called her former co-host Holly Robinson Peete “too ghetto”. Taking to Twitter, Peete hinted that she was removed from ‘The Talk’ because of Osbourne as she wrote, “I’m old enough to remember when Sharon 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.” The 56-year-old singer also posted a message on her Instagram page showing her respect to Underwood as she stated, “Sometimes ...you have to say things with your whole entire chest. Sometimes saying things with your whole chest is your only option."
I’m old enough to remember when Sharon complained that I was too “ghetto” for #theTalk...then I was gone💨
— Holly Robinson Peete😷🥰 (@hollyrpeete) March 12, 2021
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🤦🏽♀️ 🤷🏽♀️#fbf https://t.co/7pnCnhM5rf pic.twitter.com/CXR4DzvlEZ
She continued, “I’ve always been a highroad girl but when I watched what everyone else saw on my former show @thetalkcbs it triggered me and I wanted to speak out. Much respect to Sheryl Underwood who really should’ve been able to express her emotions on TV however she wanted to. It was also not her job to educate a grown woman. I have always felt that ignoring, defending excusing or amplifying racism, bigotry and discrimination is unacceptable. When you know better you are supposed to do better. #isaidwhatisaid 🌹🌹#fridayfeeling #period.”
In her defense, Osbourne shared a screenshot of an email from Peete on her Instagram account on Saturday, March 14. In the email, Peeta seems to say that her removal came because of Julie Chen, the wife of former CBS chairman Les Moonves. “CBS is doing behind-the-scenes damage to my career with other studios and nets...I know you are in a tough spot…” the mail added.
Referring to the mail, Osbourne 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.”