'The Talk' hiatus extended amid misconduct allegations against Sharon Osbourne
What's the story
The daytime talk show, The Talk, will be extending its hiatus until next Tuesday after allegations of misconduct have surfaced against one of its hosts Sharon Osbourne.
The allegations were revealed after Osbourne's heated debate with fellow co-host Sheryl Underwood.
Osbourne has now been accused of using racist and homophobic language while speaking to her former colleagues on the show.
Allegations
Osbourne is accused of calling former co-host Julie Chen 'wonton'
Journalist Yashar Ali posted more damning claims of Osbourne allegedly using racist and homophobic slurs.
Multiple sources, including former co-host Leah Remini, said that Osbourne frequently referred to her former co-host Julie Chen, who is Chinese-American, as 'wonton' and 'slanty eyes.'
Osbourne also mouthed many homophobic slurs, according to Ramani and other sources, against former co-host and executive producer Sara Gilbert.
Piers Morgan
Not long ago, she had defended friend Piers Morgan
The latest allegations surfaced soon after Osbourne defended her friend Piers Morgan, who resigned from Good Morning Britain this month post his vitriolic criticism of Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.
"I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she said, Meghan Markle, (sic)" Morgan had said.
When Morgan's behavior was discussed on The Talk, Osbourne defended him fiercely, almost breaking into tears at one point.
Twitter Post
Later, she put out a verbose apology on Twitter
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) March 12, 2021
Statement
Committed to a diverse and respectful workplace, says CBS
CBS, the network where The Talk is broadcast, has said in a statement it is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
"This includes a process where all voices are heard, claims are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary. The show will extend its production hiatus until next Tuesday as we continue to review these issues," the statement read.
Reaction
Meanwhile, Osbourne said she isn't 'surprised' by the lies
Osbourne, on her part, let out a new statement via her publicist, Howard Bragman, on Tuesday.
The statement said that she has always been kind, collegial, and friendly with her hosts.
"Sharon is disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised by the lies, the recasting of history, and the bitterness coming out at this moment," the statement said, adding that she will survive this.