Entertainment
Piers Morgan attacks CBS for dropping The Talk during investigation into Sharon Osbourne’s tearful defense of ex-GMB host
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Piers Morgan has hit out at CBS for pulling US chat show The Talk during an investigation into Sharon Osbourne’s defense of the former Good Morning Britain presenter.
The former X Factor judge clashed with co-star Sheryl Underwood during a debate about Piers’ remarks accusing Meghan Marke of lying about her previous suicidal thoughts and race issues within the Royal Family.
Sharon became tearful as she defended Piers, shouting at Sheryl and demanding to be ‘educated’ about race.
CBS subsequently announced it will not air The Talk on Monday or Tuesday this week while it investigates the row internally.
Piers, however, has slammed the broadcaster, tweeting: ‘So @CBS has yanked The Talk off air while it investigates the ‘scandal’ of @MrsSOsbourne defending me when @sherylunderwood said I was “racist” for disbelieving Meghan Markle.
‘The REAL scandal is me being branded a racist for refusing to believe a liar.’
During the row with Sheryl, Sharon snapped: ‘Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No.
‘Because it’s his opinion. It’s not my opinion… I support him for his freedom of speech, and he’s my friend. I’m not racist… I don’t care what colour or what religion anyone is. Are you a nice person? That’s what I judge you on.’
Sheryl hit back: ‘What would you say to people who may feel that while you’re standing by your friend, it appears you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?’
Sharon challenged: ‘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? What does it gotta do with me?’
Emotions continued to soar, as Sharon became tearful and said: ‘I will ask you again Sheryl, I’ve been asking you during the break and I’m asking you again, and don’t try and cry ‘cause if anyone should be crying it should be me.
‘Educate me. Tell me when you have heard him say racist things.’
In a statement released on Friday, a CBS spokesperson said: ‘We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.
‘All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review.’
After refusing to believe Meghan suffered a life-threatening battle with her mental health, Piers quit Good Morning Britain as conversations with ITV collapsed.
More than 41,000 people complained to Ofcom over his remarks, with Meghan and Prince Harry said to have filed their own complained to the TV watchdog too.
The Talk will return to CBS on Wednesday.
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