CBS has put The Talk on an extended hiatus following new allegations of racism and bullying by Sharon Osbourne, all of which she has denied.
On Tuesday, reporter Yashar Ali published a newsletter containing claims that Osbourne referred to her former co-host Julie Chen with using-Asian slurs, citing multiple unnamed sources as well as another former co-host, Leah Remini. The sources also allege that Osbourne referred to her former co-host and The Talk‘s executive producer Sara Gilbert, who is a lesbian, with slurs as well. The report asserts that Osbourne was lashing out at her colleagues because she felt Chen was trying to take center stage on the show and Gilbert was doing nothing to stop her.
In response to these allegations, Osbourne’s publicist, Howard Bragman, said, “The only thing worse than a disgruntled former employee is a disgruntled former talk show host. 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.”
However, following the publication of these revelations, CBS announced that it will be extending The Talk‘s hiatus until next Tuesday in order to “continue to review these issues.” In a statement to People, representatives for the show said, “CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace across all of our productions. We’re also very mindful of the important concerns expressed and discussions taking place regarding events on The Talk. This includes a process where all voices are heard, claims are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary.”
The show was initially put on hiatus last Monday, less than a week after Osbourne came to the defense of her friend Piers Morgan, who left Good Morning Britain over his controversial claims about Meghan Markle and her mental health. Osbourne apologized for her “panicked” remarks a few days later, but that same week, Holly Robinson Peete, another Talk co-host who left after the show’s first season in 2011, claimed in a tweet that Osbourne’s complaint about her being too “ghetto” led to her ouster.
But according to Page Six, Osbourne doesn’t plan to leave the show without a fight. A source told the outlet, “Sharon loves The Talk. She really loves it. She may well end up getting sacked, but she’s very litigious, so I would not be surprised if she launches legal action.” They added, “She’s been there 11 years and knows every secret about that show from day one. Do they want everything Sharon Osbourne knows about that show to come out in a deposition? Let it play out.”
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