Sharon Osbourne ‘remains livid’ and ‘lost trust in the network’ as host QUITS The Talk following ‘racism fight’
SHARON Osbourne “remains livid” and “lost trust in the network” as the host QUITS The Talk.
The 68-year-old left the CBS talk show following her “racism fight.”
Sharon recently walked away from her high paying TV gig after “losing complete trust with CBS.”
Insiders insisted that furious Sharon was “utterly bewildered by the way” that CBS bosses made it “look like she was racist.”
The reality TV icon feels she’s a victim of “cancel culture” for defending pal Piers Morgan’s right to free speech following Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
And a source claimed to The Sun that last weeK “it became clear that the relationship with the network was over. She as no desire to return because it felt like no-one was willing to defend her or accept the decision to release the controversial episode after the on air fall out.”
Sharon has taken home at least “two season’s payments” as a “farewell package” after drafting in leading publicist Howard Bragman of LaBreaPR and lawyer Jeremiah Reynolds of the Los Angeles-based firm Eisner.
An LA TV source said: “Her departure from the show comes after Sharon lost trust in the network in the wake of the incident.
“She remains livid at the way the show made her the protagonist, and what she sees as being presented as racist.
“Sharon has stuck to her guns insisting that having an intense argument with a friend Sheryl where they had ‘a go at one another’ should not mean she is racist, because Sheryl is black.
“That has been her stance all the way. Of course she is heartbroken to have fallen out with Sheryl and hopes they can repair their decade long friendship.
“Certainly Sharon points the finger CBS for this matter escalating into this scandal, when it could have been overcome with a show or a special to air out matters. The network seemingly did not want that to happen.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s wife may have lost her gig of 11 years, but she did not walk away without a significant payout
The source said: “Word around the studio was the she go two seasons worth of payment for this termination deal. The is well over $10m. We are uncertain at this stage what the intricacies and the small print may be.
“However anyone that knows Sharon, is aware she is never one to walk away quietly or not say her peace.”
The insider continued: “Another aspect which has wrangled her is that over many seasons all the hosts have made powerful comments and discussed very sensitive issues.
“But she is bewildered that her job and what she was encouraged to do for years was speak out and be bold and made headlines – and now this happened without consideration of that guidance from the executives at the network.”
On Friday night, CBS issued a lengthy statement confirming her departure.
Sharon had publicly claimed that the controversial segment was “a set up” claiming her co-hosts were reading scripts about the racist overtones of Piers’ comments on Meghan.
CBS’ statement dismissed that accusation, writing: “We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts.”
The source reflected: “There is no way that Sharon sees it like that.”
CBS added in their statement: “We acknowledge the network and studio teams, as well as the show runners, are accountable for what happened.”
The source continued: “What this space on that one. Knowing what Sharon is like, she will have her say on this. Maybe not today, but at some point.”
The network’s statement said: “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.
“At the same time, 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 procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers.”
In recent days, Sharon shut down other allegations of racism and impropriety in a report alleging she frequently referred to previous co-hosts Julie Chen, who is Chinese American, “as ‘wonton’ and ‘slanty eyes,'” and called Sara Gilbert “who is a lesbian, as ‘p**sy licker’ and ‘fish eater.'”
Most read in Entertainment
Sharon’s PR Bragman labeled the claims as false, adding: “For 11 years Sharon has been kind, collegial and friendly with her hosts as evidenced by throwing them parties, inviting them to her home in the UK and other gestures of kindness too many to name.
“Sharon is disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised by the lies, the recasting of history and the bitterness coming out at this moment. She will survive this, as she always has and her heart will remain open and good, because she refuses to let others take her down. She thanks her family, friends and fans for standing by her and knowing her true nature.”
While former co-host Leah Remini made the claims about Sharon’s comments that targeted Julie, Holly Robinson Peete also alleged Sharon said she was “too ghetto” for The Talk.
The Sun reached out to CBS for comment, though a rep has not gotten back to us.