Sharon Osbourne is regaining her previous support for British television personality Piers Morgan, who left “Good Morning Britain” as co-host this week after a heated debate over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Osbourne, 68, fired a tweet in support of Morgan after he was criticized for claiming “he didn’t believe Meghan Markle in his Oprah interview”, among other intense claims. Morgan’s comments drew more than 41,000 complaints to the ITV network.
Osbourne, an outspoken co-host of “The Talk”, clarified her statements during Thursday’s show, telling her co-hosts that Morgan’s “no” thoughts were her opinion.
Then, on Friday, Osbourne accessed her social media to issue a lengthy statement explaining that she had made “some thoughts”.
SHARON OSBOURNE ADDRESS SUPPORT TO PIERS MORGAN: ‘IT’S NOT MY OPINION’
“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.
Ozzy Osbourne’s wife explained that she felt “panicked, felt surprised, became defensive and allowed my fear and horror of being accused of being racist to take over”.
“There are very few things that hurt my heart more than racism, so feeling associated with it left me fast! 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 to be continued.
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The co-host of “Talk” then condemned racism.
“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.
During the TV conversation, Osbourne explained that, although she disagreed with Morgan’s opinion, she supported her voice.
PIERS MORGAN SAYS HE STILL DOESN’T BELIEVE MEGHAN MARKLE AFTER SCREWING THE SHOW
“I know that 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 free speech,” she said, by Entertainment Tonight. “Did I like everything he said? Do I agree with what he said? No, because it’s his opinion. It’s not my opinion.”
Piers Morgan left “Good Morning Britain” as co-host this week after a heated debate over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
(Ben Stansall / Pool via AP)
Co-host Amanda 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 his mind”, and said he understands why the reality former star would reach out to support his old friend.
However, co-host Sheryl Underwood said she tried to speak to Morgan about how her criticisms of the Duchess of Sussex have “racist implications”.
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“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?
Co-host Elaine Welteroth then said it would have been an opportunity for Osbourne to “defend anti-racism”.
“When we give passes or give space to people who are saying harmful and harmful things, what we are doing is allowing it,” she explained. “And I think that’s what people are reacting to.”
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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?”
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.
Fox News’ Nate Day contributed to this report.