‘The Talk’ comes shortly after Sharon Osbourne voiced criticism last week and defended British TV personality Piers Morgan, who is under fire for his attacks on Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
A CBS spokesman told NBC News in an email that the panel show was taking a breather this week as the network conducted an internal review of the heated exchange between co-presenter Sheryl Underwood and the wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne.
On Wednesday, Osbourne said she should not be criticized for standing by her friend Morgan, who stormed the series of ITV’s “Good Morning Britain” and left the program.
Morgan, a longtime critic of Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, rejected the American actress’ revelation during the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey that she had experienced suicidal thoughts.
“I even feel like I’m about to sit in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is a racist, who makes me a racist,” Osbourne said in ‘The Talk’ said.
Underwood, who is Black, gently pushed Osbourne back and even suggested a question from her British colleague with a compliment: ‘I’ve never seen anything come of you, except:’ If I do not know, I’m willing to to learn. If I come down a certain way, I stand corrected. ”
“What would you say to people who feel that while standing with your friend, you seem to have given validity or safe haven to something he has expressed that is racist, even if you do not agree?” Ask Underwood.
Osbourne said she did not believe Morgan’s rejection of Meghan’s recognition of mental health struggles was racist. Osbourne turns around and claims that she is unfairly called a racist.
As he tried to break, Underwood became tongue-tied.
As she says, ‘Well, we’re back,’ Osbourne shoots back at Underwood.
“Well, what?” she asked. “Well, what?”
Osbourne continued to push Underwood once the program of break was back.
“I will ask you again Sheryl. I asked you during the break. I will ask you again. And do not try to cry, because if anyone cries, then it must be me,” she said. “This is the situation. You tell me where you heard him say … teach me, tell me if you heard me say racist things! Teach me, tell me!”
Underwood explained that Morgan’s immediate rejection of Meghan’s claim is less than genuine.
“Not addressing it because she’s a black woman, and trying to fire it or make it look less than it is, that’s what makes it racist,” Underwood said.
After that, she tried to seduce Osbourne.
“But right now I’m talking to a woman who I think is a friend and I do not want anyone here to look and think we are attacking you because you are racist,” Underwood said.
Osbourne claimed on Friday that she was ‘blinded’ by questions about Morgan by producers during the heated exchange with Underwood.
About eight minutes before the show started Wednesday, Osbourne said the runners called her and asked her if it was okay for them to talk about Morgan.
“I said, ‘Of course, they can ask me too.’ “But then I get there, I say my piece and Sheryl (Underwood) turns around, looks at me and reads from a card with questions,” Osbourne told Variety.
‘I was just so hurt, caught off guard and amazed at what I was asked and was not prepared for. I was honestly in shock. I felt like I was in front of a firing squad. “I felt like a lamb being kept for slaughter … They had me there for 20 minutes,” she said.
According to Variety, a CBS spokesman declined to comment on Osbourne’s latest comments and the publication referred to the network’s statement released on Friday afternoon.
‘We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. “All matters related to the Wednesday episode of ‘The Talk’ are currently being reviewed internally, ‘the network said.
Osbourne on Thursday apologized for comments during the program on Twitter.
‘I have always been embraced with so much love and support from the black community, and I have deep respect and love for the black community. “I’m really sorry for anyone of color I offended and / or for anyone who feels confused or let down by what I said,” she tweeted.
‘I panicked, went blind, defended and allowed my fears and horrors of being accused of being racist to take over. There are very few things that have hurt my heart, more than racism, so I quickly relate to it! I am not perfect, I am still learning like the others and will continue to learn, listen and do better, ”she said.
David K. Li contributed.