‘The Talk’ will return on Monday (12.04.21) with a “discussion on race and healing” following a month-long hiatus after Sharon Osbourne’s on-air feud with Sheryl Underwood.
Sharon Osbourne
The CBS panel show was pulled off air in March when the network launched an internal review over the March 10 episode in which Sharon clashed with Sheryl over Sharon’s decision to defend her friend Piers Morgan against allegations of racism in the wake of his departure from UK TV show 'Good Morning Britain'.
Later that month, Sharon left her position as co-host on the panel, with CBS claiming her actions “did not align with our values for a respectful workplace”.
And as ‘The Talk’ prepares to return to screens on April 12, a full month after its hiatus began, it has now been confirmed the first episode back will see the remaining hosts – Sheryl, Carrie Ann Inaba, Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth – engage in an important discussion about race and healing” with diversity, equity, inclusion and justice expert Dr. Donald E. Grant.
The schedule for the episode reads: “‘The Talk’ returns with a discussion about race and healing; expert on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice Dr. Donald E. Grant will offer advice on how to have these difficult conversations; nationally acclaimed trauma therapist and life coach Dr. Anita Phillips will share her expertise on how to heal after a painful event or conversation.”
Sharon’s row with Sheryl began when she was defending Piers after he said he didn’t believe Duchess Meghan when she said she was battling suicidal thoughts, which prompted Sheryl to say: "While you are standing by you your friend, it appears that you are giving validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist.”
Sharon replied: "Educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things?
"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?
"How can I be racist about anybody or anything in my life."
The show then cut to a commercial break, but when it returned, she continued to press Sheryl for an explanation as to what was racist about Piers' comments and added: "And don't try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me."
The following day, Sharon apologised for her remarks.
She said: "I am truly sorry. I panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive & allowed my fear and horror of being accused of being racist take over."
However, following the row, Leah Remini accused Sharon of using derogatory terms against fellow 'The Talk' stars Julie Chen and Sara Gilbert.
According to the actress and other sources, the showbiz matriarch had called Julie – who is Chinese-American – “wonton” and “slanty eyes”, as well as calling Sara, who is a lesbian, a “p**** licker” and “fish eater”.
But Sharon has branded the claims “c***” and insisting people are simply trying to “add fuel to the fire” following her row with Sheryl.
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