Sharon Osbourne is no longer on The Talk, after what some considered to be an on-air racist rant; but the conversation about race with former co-host Sheryl Underwood continues. Underwood talks about Sharon Osbourne’s ‘The Talk’ departure on her podcast, The World According to Sheryl, using her platform to speak openly about Osbourne’s ouster from the CBS talk show.
During the conversation, which took place over three episodes, Underwood claimed Osbourne hadn’t reached out or apologized since the big blowup on the March 10 show. Underwood, 57, who has been on the show since 2011, said there was little tension after the episode aired and that she has only sought ways to keep the show going despite the drama. Sheryl Underwood talks about Sharon Osbourne’s ‘The Talk’ departure
Underwood addressed Osbourne’s departure from the show in a three-part podcast called “Sharon Walks Away.” In episode two, she was asked if she had spoken to Osbourne since the heated show which had Osbourne denying she was racist.
Later in the podcast, Underwood said she did receive a text message from someone, not saying who, that read, “I understand what you’re going through and I know you need your space.” (Two of the texts Osbourne sent Underwood referred to “taking space.” Underwood was asked if she apologized to Osbourne for what transpired. “Any more apologies?” she answered, saying she apologized on air as well as after the show.
Underwood also denied producers gave her questions to “blindside,” which Osbourne had claimed. She did say she was serving as moderator that day and received input from producers in how to order the questions. She said she knew before the show aired things may go sideways.
She also said she hasn’t heard from any past co-hosts over the Osbourne drama. Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete, co-hosts during season one, both claimed Osbourne used racist and homophobic slurs while discussing fellow former co-hosts Julie Chen and Sara Gilbert.
Underwood also said she and Osbourne were “fast friends” when they started working together during Season 2. They’d often text, and she’d get advice from Osbourne, a seasoned showbiz vet. So over the last few weeks she’s questioned “why” this happened and “I’m going to say it: Why did [Osbourne] do to me? You’re talking about 10 years sitting next to someone.”
Underwood suggested that if Osbourne handled the aftermath differently, she may still be on the show. She also made it clear that she has no say in whether anyone gets hired or fired from the show, noting that’s all up to execs.
After the March 10 show — during which Osbourne called for Underwood to “educate” her on racism during the heated discussion over Morgan saying Markle lied about experiencing racism — Osbourne issued an apology to the Black community. However, CBS called for an investigation into the show — and the show went on hiatus which was extended multiple times. Ultimately, CBS said Osbourne — who gave many interviews amid the investigation —would not be back, but framed it as she decided to leave.
Underwood said the show will return April 12 — and they will be live, presumably with remaining co-hosts Carrie Ann Inaba, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth — discussing what’s transpired over the last month. Underwood said there may even be a replacement for Osbourne by then, noting the network likes five hosts.
She added that she hopes viewers — including those vowing to boycott after Osbourne’s departure — give the show a chance, despite the latest bumps, noting that shakeups have often revitalized shows, including rival The View.
Loading…