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Was Sharon Osbourne's Piers Morgan controversy a setup? Shocking claims reveal CBS targeted her over salary

Insiders claim Osbourne's defense of Morgan was set up by CBS to 'get her out of her contract and save money'

On March 9, Sharon Osbourne defended long-time friend Piers Morgan over his comments on Meghan Markle. The 68-year-old host of 'The Talk' tweeted, "I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth." Almost immediately, she faced massive backlash with many people calling her racist for supporting Morgan. 

The next day, she got into a heated debate with her co-host Sheryl Underwood over Morgan. Then on Friday, March 12, she issued a public apology for her comments. Insiders say that the debate and public apology was not Osbourne's idea but instead forced upon her by higher-ups at CBS. Allegedly, the network "set her up to fail". Osbourne's controversy has since become the latest part of the "cancel culture" saga taking over airwaves in both Britain and the US.

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The shocking claims, first published by The Daily Mail claim that Osbourne wanted a monologue on March 10 to clear the air over her tweet, but was forced into the debate instead. According to The Mail, it is all part of the network's cost-cutting plans. 

CBS targets Osbourne

Osbourne was forced into the debate, further adding fuel to the fire that she was "racist" as part of a plot to get her out of her pricey contract. The Mail's source said, "All she wanted to do was to clear the air the following day but producers wanted a conversation." But why not give her the opportunity to clear the air? It appears that the move was to help CBS get out of Osbourne's contract. An insider claimed, "I think this is an exercise that has been set up to trim the fat, to change the show around, get people out of their contracts and basically save money", adding "'1000 percent they set her up to fail."

A second source told The Mail, "No one else on The Talk makes anywhere near what Sharon makes and that makes her enemy number one." According to Ok Magazine, Osbourne is paid $1 million per season. According to Woman & Home, her contract is worth $5 million, which CBS is reportedly looking to get out of. Of course, we don't know if this is true. The Mail's source claims the network wants to replace her, but the Woman & Home story cites a source that says it's "also possible she will not be let go." The Mail's sources told the publication, Osbourne is the "perfect target to be canceled – she's white, she's rich, she's English."

The show is now on hiatus while CBS investigates the debate. In a brief statement, CBS said, "We’re also very mindful of the important concerns expressed and discussions taking place regarding events on ‘The Talk.’  This includes a process where all voices are heard, claims are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary." CBS is attempting to avoid another huge scandal following Les Moonves' firing in 2017 over claims of sexual harassment. 

While the show remains off air, the controversy has become 'the talk' of social media, with users both panning and defending Osbourne. 

'How will the world cope?'

The internet seems to be very divided over Osbourne's actions. Some defender her, with one user tweeting, "So the character assassination of Sharon Osbourne begins. All bc she dared to stand by her friend, @piersmorgan and his freedom of speech. Shameful." One user tweeted, "First Piers Morgan and now Sharon Osbourne how will the world cope?" Another said, "The Sharon Osbourne narrative progressing from a defense of Piers Morgan to revelations she's a full-blown racist in little under a week just seems overly familiar these days."

Others continue to call Osbourne racist. One user tweeted, "I repeat Sharon Osbourne has always beem racist. Toxic people make media people big money. CBS knew she was toxic that's why she got the job. Piers Morgan is now being headhunted for Fox. Hateful bullies bring in the $$$$s I pray for the day that this type of media dies." Another said, "Sharon Osbourne should be ashamed. What she said is racist. Also her stand on piers Morgan was racist. Don't tell at black people educate and don't you dare cry. Shame on you sharon". Another tweeted "Sharon Osbourne is "being canceled" (I haven't heard that she's being fired, so not even sure what you mean) for years of saying racist things unapologetically. It's kind of ridiculous that it took defending Piers Morgan to make people notice, but it is LONG overdue."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support any claims or opinions online.