Sharon Osbourne Officially Leaves 'The Talk'

The decision follows a probe into her controversial behaviour and alleged history of using racist and homophobic slurs

Photo: CBS

BY Brock ThiessenPublished Mar 26, 2021

Sharon Osbourne and The Talk have officially parted ways.

Following a probe launched by CBS into various claims against the host — including that Osbourne used both racist and homophobic slurs towards her co-hosts on The Talk — the network released a statement to the media tonight stating Osbourne will no longer be part of the show going forward.

The statement from CBS reads as follows [via Deadline]:

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.


As previously reported, Osbourne's caused The Talk to go on hiatus after getting into a heated argument with Sheryl Underwood over Osbourne's defence of Piers Morgan's insensitive comments about Megan Markle and the royal family.

Soon after, a scathing report by journalist Yashar Ali emerged, alleging Osbourne has a history of using homophobic and racial slurs against her former colleagues, including Julie Chen and Sara Gilbert. According to multiple sources in the piece, Osbourne would frequently call Chen, who is Chinese American, "sl**ty eyes" and "w**ton," and Gilbert, who is a lesbian, "pussy licker" and "fish eater."

Osbourne strongly disputed this, blaming it all on "cancel culture."

Osbourne was the last original co-host on The Talk, which is now set to return on April 12 — minus Osbourne.

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