CBS: "Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk"

The Hollywood Reporter

Two weeks after a racism controversy prompted CBS to put The Talk on hiatus, the network announced that Osbourne has decided to exit the daytime talk show -- which will return on April 12. CBS said in a statement that Osbourne's behavior "did not align with our values for a respectful workplace. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts." Osbourne's defense of her friend Piers Morgan's attack on Meghan Markle prompted an emotional discussion on The Talk on March 10. Two days later, CBS announced it was putting the show on hiatus. Over the past two weeks, allegations emerged that Osbourne made racist and homophobic comments on set, which she denies. "Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk," CBS said in its statement. "The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts. At the same time, we acknowledge the network and studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race. During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew. Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers." CBS also announced that the April 12 return date will come after a pre-planned hiatus for the week of April 5. Osbourne, who was the last original panelist from The Talk's 2010 debut, has yet to speak out about her exit.