“I feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who many people think is racist, so does that make me a racist?” Sharon attacked, while Sheryl tried to explain that she “validated” Piers’ comments, publicly supporting him.
“It was not the exact words of racism, but the implications and reactions to it,” Sheryl told Sharon. “Not wanting to say that she is black and trying to despise or make her look less than she is, that’s what makes her racist.”
“Right now,” continued Sheryl, “I’m talking to a woman who I believe is my friend and I don’t want anyone here to see this and say that we are attacking you for being racist.”
Sharon replied, “It is too late. I think the seed has already been planted.”
Their conversation instantly made headlines and went viral online. Sharon said Variety“I’m a big girl. I’m a professional. However, CBS took me by surprise. I don’t know why they did this to me. The producers told me that they came from executives to do this to me.”