Sharon Osbourne to sue CBS, wants $2.7M for being forced to quit 'The Talk' over defending friend Piers Morgan
Sharon Osbourne is all set to file a lawsuit against CBS after she was forced to quit the chat show 'The Talk' for defending her friend and former British broadcaster Piers Morgan. The Daily Mail reported that the 68-year-old plans to take the network "all the way" for damages over her departure from 'The Talk'.
Her exit came following a backlash against her decision to defend Morgan after he criticized Meghan Markle for her bombshell CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey. It is understood that the former 'X Factor' judge wants to be paid for the remaining two years on her contract, which is believed to be around $2.7M, as part of her claims for damages incurred. A friend of Osbourne told the outlet: "She feels a few suits at CBS have really done for her here. Sharon won't let this go."
RELATED ARTICLES
Meanwhile, Morgan has branded CBS a "disgrace" over the network's treatment of Osbourne after she defended him for saying he didn't believe Markle was suicidal. The former Good Morning Britain (GMB) host, 55, backed Osbourne, 68, after she left 'The Talk' over a heated on-air debate on March 10. Morgan wrote on Instagram, "What's happened to @sharonosbourne is an absolute disgrace that shames CBS. Bullied out of her job for defending me against an invented slur of racism because I don't believe a liar. In tomorrow's Mail on Sunday, I'll tell MY truth about this woke cancel culture bulls*t."
Osbourne's exit from 'The Talk'
The popular talk show went on a hiatus as the CBS network launched an investigation over the heated exchange between Osbourne and her fellow host Sheryl Underwood over Morgan's comments on Markle speaking out about her mental health issues during her time with the British royal family.
While the show continues to be on hiatus, Osbourne has decided to leave the popular CBS daytime show. The network released an official statement stating that Osbourne has decided to leave the show. "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," a statement by the network read.
"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 statement continued.