Entertainment
Sharon Osbourne ‘demanding tens of millions to quit The Talk’ after heated race row with Sheryl Underwood
Sharon Osbourne has reportedly stated that The Talk bosses will have to pay her tens of millions to leave her role as a co-host on the show, amid allegations she made racist remarks.
The daytime talk show remains on hiatus after an investigation was launched following Osbourne’s heated on-air clash with Sheryl Underwood, and subsequent claims about her conduct on set – which Osbourne has denied.
Now a new report claims the 68-year-old will enforce contract provisions if she is forced to leave the US chat show.
The insider told The Sun: ‘She has a contract and they will have to pay her off if they want her to leave, and that will cost them tens of millions. If bosses expect her to go quietly, they have got another thing coming.
‘She is furious about the slew of accusations made about her and is refusing to bow to the mounting pressure to leave.’
The source added: ‘As far as she is concerned, she apologized over the on-air debate and hasn’t done anything else wrong.’
The US chat show hit the headlines when the former X Factor judge yelled at Underwood after broadcaster Piers Morgan questioned Meghan Markle’s explosive claims about life as a royal during her Oprah Winfrey interview.
Following Sharon and Sheryl’s spat, it was announced The Talk would be taken off the air while channel CBS investigated the matter.
Shortly after, allegations against Sharon that she used a racist slur towards former co-host and executive producer Julie Chen.
Ex co-host Holly Robinson Peete also claimed Sharon had called her too ‘ghetto’ to be on the series.
It has now emerged the show will not be broadcast throughout next week with no return date set, according to Deadline.
Osbourne has denied all claims, accusing CBS executives of setting up the segment in which she fought with Underwood.
During the argument Osbourne became tearful as she shouted in defense of friend Morgan, saying: ‘Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No.
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‘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 religion anyone is. Are you a nice person? That’s what I judge you on.’
Underwood responded: ‘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?’
Osbourne chimed back: ‘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?’
Becoming more emotional, she demanded: ‘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.’
A spokesperson for CBS said last Friday: ‘CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace across all of our productions.
‘We’re also very mindful of the important concerns expressed and discussions taking place regarding events on The Talk. This includes a process where all voices are heard, claims are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary.’
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