CBS says Sharon Osbourne’s heated discussion of race, spurred on by her previous support for Piers Morgan, in Wednesday’s episode of “The Talk” is now under review.
“We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. All matters relating to Wednesday’s episode of ‘The Talk’ are currently under internal review,” a spokesman for the network told Fox News in a statement.
On Wednesday, Osbourne made headlines for his conversation with “The Talk” co-host Sheryl Underwood. The two, along with Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth, were discussing the intense reaction Morgan received this week for his controversial comments about Meghan Markle after the Duchess and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
During the discussion on Wednesday, Ozzy Osbourne’s wife, 68, clarified her support for Morgan, which she initially posted on Twitter. She explained that while she disagrees with Morgan’s opinion, she supported his expression.
SHARON OSBOURNE APOLOGY FOR THE DEFENSE OF PIERS MORGAN AMONG MEGHAN MARKLE DEBATE: ‘I FEEL BLIND’
“I know he has the right to say what he feels in the interview, as we have the right to say and everyone has the right to say what they feel with freedom of expression,” she said, for “Entertainment Tonight”. “Did I like everything he said? Do I agree with what he said? No, because it is his opinion. It is not my opinion.”
CBS is reviewing Wednesday’s episode of ‘The Talk’, which featured Sharon Osbourne clarifying her previous support for Piers Morgan.
(Rich Fury / Getty Images)
Osbourne continued, “But why did I support a longtime friend and co-worker of mine for years that everyone goes to, if you support him, then you must be racist because he is racist?”
Co-host Kloots said “It is always very difficult when you see a good friend going through a difficult situation, and you know him on a different level and you really know his heart and mind”, adding that she understands why the former reality star would reach out to support his old friend.
SHARON OSBOURNE ADDRESS SUPPORT TO PIERS MORGAN: ‘IT’S NOT MY OPINION’
However, Underwood said he tried to speak to Morgan about how his criticisms of the Duchess of Sussex have “racist implications”.
“He doesn’t want to understand how Meghan was treated as racism and then says … ‘I don’t see it as racist – I don’t believe what she’s going through’ – it’s that white right, privilege that makes him racist with himself,” said the comedian . “So, if you’re saying ‘I’m with you’, how do you address people who say that you are against racism?
Welteroth said it would have been an opportunity for Osbourne “to stand up for anti-racism”.
“When we give passes or give space to people who are saying harmful and harmful things, what we are doing is [permitting] “, she said.” And I think that’s what people are reacting to. “
Osbourne then asked, “So, if I like Piers and he’s seen as a racist, am I a racist? Is that what you’re saying?”
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The other women explained that they didn’t see it that way, but they saw how Morgan’s comments – specifically that he didn’t believe Markle’s claims, which included racism and struggles for mental health – were racist.
“You have a right to the rest of your opinions, but when you ignore her experience and don’t recognize this experience of racism, you are distracted by all this other information about being a monarchist,” said Welteroth.
Osbourne accessed social media on Friday to issue a long statement explaining that she had made “some thoughts”.
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“After sitting down with your comments and sitting down with my heart, I would like to address the discussion on The Talk last Wednesday. I have always been embraced with a lot of love and support from the black community and I have deep respect and love for the black community. person of color that I offended and / or anyone who feels confused or discouraged by what I said, I’m sorry, “begins Osbourne’s statement.
She went on to say that she felt “panicked, felt taken aback, became defensive and allowed my fear and horror of being accused of being a racist to take control”.
“There are very few things that hurt my heart more than racism, so feeling associated with it made me spin quickly! I’m not perfect, I’m still learning like the rest of us and will continue to learn, listen and do better,” Osbourne’s statement continues.
The co-host of “Talk” then condemned racism.
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“Please listen to me when I say that I do not tolerate racism, misogyny or bullying. I should have been more specific about that in my tweet. I will always support freedom of expression, but now I see how, without meaning to, I have not made that clear distinction. I hope that we can continue to learn collectively with each other and with ourselves, so that we can continue to pave the way for much needed growth and change. The community on this platform means a lot to me. I hope we can all support each other, with responsibility, compassion and love during this powerful moment of paving the way for much needed change, “she concluded.
Fox News’ Nate Day contributed to this report.