Amid the ongoing investigation into the remarks Sharon Osbourne made during a heated conversation between her and co-presenter Sheryl Underwood, ‘The Talk’, CBS is extending the interruption of the day’s coverage to ‘at least next week’, according to a well-known source. with the case.
CBS had earlier announced that it would investigate comments made on the air defending Osbourne Piers Morgan’s comments on Meghan Markle. Morgan expressed skepticism about Markle’s comments to Oprah that she feels suicidal and experiences racism in the royal family.
“Teach me, tell me when you heard him say racist things?” Osbourne told Underwood during last Wednesday’s show. “I really feel like I’m about to sit in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is a racist, and that makes me a racist?”
Osbourne tells Variety last Saturday that she felt ‘blinded’ by the segment and claimed that CBS executives designed the conversation without her input. She apologized via Twitter following the on-air exchange and said in part: ‘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 sorry for anyone of color I offended and / or for anyone who feels confused or let down by what I said. ”
The production break would have originally ended on Tuesday, March 23rd.
CBS issued a statement this week reiterating its commitment to inclusion: ‘CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace in all our productions. We are also very aware of the important concerns that are being expressed and discussions that are taking place about events on ‘The Talk’. This includes a process where all voices are heard, demands are investigated and appropriate steps are taken where necessary. The show will extend its production breaks until next Tuesday as we continue to review these issues. ”
The deadline first reported on the extension of the interruption.