NEWS'The Talk' Reportedly On Hiatus Following Sharon Osbourne's Heated Debate Over Piers Morgan
Tough times at The Talk. The daytime show has reportedly canceled its live shows for Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 16, following a heated discussion over Piers Morgan’s Meghan Markle commentary. The staff was apparently notified on Sunday, March 14, of this week’s cancellations.
Elizabeth Vargas was scheduled to join the ladies of the talk show on March 15, with Carly Pearce as the March 16 guest. The show is slated to return to originally scheduled programming on Wednesday, March 17.
The reported hiatus follows the Friday, March 12, announcement that CBS was launching an investigation into the heated exchange that took place on the Wednesday, March 10, episode.
“We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace,” CBS said in a statement Friday, March 12. “All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review.”
As OK! previously reported, The Talk co-host Sharon Osbourne came under fire after she defended controversial commentator Morgan on Twitter, telling him, "I am with you. I stand by you," after the former Good Morning Britain personality said he didn’t believe the Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell claims made in her recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Morgan, 55, faced widespread criticism for comments he made about Meghan following the 39-year-old's bombshell CBS interview. Among his controversial opinions, Morgan said he didn't believe the expectant mother during her interview, in which she confessed having a mental health struggle including suicidal thoughts.
Osbourne's questionable defense of her famous friend spilled over on air on Wednesday's episode of The Talk.
"Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No," she said. "Because it's his opinion. It's not my opinion ... I support him for his freedom of speech, and he's my friend."
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Her co-host Sheryl Underwood, who is Black, pushed back, asking: "What would you say to people who may feel that while you're standing by your friend, it appears you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don't agree?"
Tearing up, Osbourne replied: “I very much feel like I'm about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who many people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist? What does it gotta do with me?”
Following the uncomfortable exchange, Osbourne issued a length apology via Twitter.
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"After some reflection, after sitting with your comments & sitting with my heart, I would like to address the discussion on The Talk this past Wednesday," she began her post. "I have always been embraced with so much love & support from the black community & I have deep respect & love for the black community.
"To anyone of color that I offended and/or to anyone that feels confused or let down by what I said, I am truly sorry. I panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive & allowed my fear & horror of being accused of being racist take over," the 68-year-old continued. "There are very few things that hurt my heart more than racism so to feel associated with that spun me fast. I am not perfect, I am still learning like the rest of us & will continue to learn, listen and do better."
She also pleaded with her followers to understand that she does "not condone racism, misogyny or bullying."
"I will always support freedom of speech, but now I see how I unintentionally didn't make that clear distinction," she added. "I hope we can collectively continue to learn from each other & from ourselves so that we can all continue to pave the way for much needed growth & change.
"The community on this platform means a lot to me," she said. "I hope we can all hold each other up with accountability, compassion & love during this powerful time of paving the way for so much needed change.
"The community on this platform means a lot to me," she concluded. "I hope we can all hold each other up with accountability, compassion & love during this powerful time of paving the way for so much needed change."
Deadline was the first to report on The Talk's hiatus.
