Sharon Osbourne Leaves US Show The Talk Following Heated On-Air Discussion About Piers Morgan And Racism

Sharon Osbourne has left US chat show The Talk following a heated on-air discussion about racism.

It came after her friend Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain following comments he made about Meghan Markle.

The Talk has been off air while CBS investigated the incident and has now announced Sharon has left the programme.

It said her behaviour during the 10 March episode “did not align with our values for a respectful workplace”.

CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images

Sharon Osbourne on The Talk.

In a statement obtained by the PA news agency, it said: “Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk.

“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 behaviour toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”

Responding to Sharon’s claims she had been set up by producers, CBS said: “We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts.”

However, CBS said it acknowledges the network, studio teams and producers are “accountable for what happened during that broadcast” because “it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race”.

CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images

L-R: Elaine Welteroth, Carrie Ann Inaba, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood and Amanda Kloots, hosts of the CBS series THE TALK

CBS said during The Talk’s hiatus it will coordinate “workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew”.

It added: “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.”

The Talk is set to return to US screens on Monday 12 April.

The former X Factor judge has been contacted for comment.

Sharon’s future on The Talk was thrown into doubt after she clashed with co-host Sheryl Underwood, during a discussion about Piers’ comments on Meghan’s recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.

He was criticised for saying he does not believe the duchess after she revealed she had suffered with her mental health and had suicidal thoughts.

CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images

Sheryl Underwood, host of the CBS series THE TALK

During a heated discussion, Sharon said: “I feel even 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.”

Sharon confronted co-host Sheryl, who is Black, and told her “don’t try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me”.

She added: “You tell me where you have heard him say, educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things.

“Educate me. Tell me.”

Sheryl said it was “not the exact words of racism” but “the implication and the reaction to it, to not want to address that because she is a Black woman and to try to dismiss it or to make it seem less than what it is, that’s what makes it racist”.

Sharon, wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, later said she was “truly sorry” if she caused offence with her comments.

She gave an interview to Entertainment Tonight and alleged she had not been sufficiently prepared for the conversation by producers.

Sharon said her co-hosts “had preparation, they had written questions for them” but she was only approached eight minutes before filming began and was asked if she was OK with discussing Piers.

She told ET she felt she had been “set up,” adding: “My anger was like, I cannot believe this, I’m your sacrificial lamb.”

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Alex Beresford Addresses Piers Morgan’s Good Morning Britain Exit

Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford has spoken out following former co-host Piers Morgan’s departure from the show.

On Tuesday morning, the two GMB stars were involved in a heated exchange live on air about Meghan Markle, in which Alex called out Piers’ comments about the Duchess of Sussex made the previous day.

This ended in Piers storming out of the studio, which Alex branded “pathetic” and “diabololical behaviour”.

Following the news that Piers has now left the show permanently, Alex has shared his thoughts on Twitter. 

ITV/Shutterstock

Alex Beresford

“There is so much that could be said,” he wrote, insisting that “Piers’ departure sincerely wasn’t the conclusion I was hoping for”.

Alex explained: “Over the lat few years, Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.

“We both wanted to be on the show on Tuesday morning, and from our very public conversations on Twitter, we both knew how strongly our opinions differed on the treatment of Harry and Meghan pre and post the interview that has split the world.

“I hoped we could reach a place of understanding. It’s sad that we weren’t able to get there, but challenging this opinion was not an outrage. On this occasion, we have to agree to disagree.”

He added: “I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen. Personally, Piers has always supported my growth. He’s given me advice on several occasions and for that I am grateful. I wish him well!”

Alex previously tweeted, after his on-air exchange with Piers: “I wish I had the privilege to sit on the fence. In order for me to do that I would have to strip myself of my identity and that’s not something I can do.

“It’s not any of our places to pick apart claims of racism in order to make us to feel more comfortable.”

ITV faced calls to reprimand Piers Morgan after Monday’s show, when he cast doubt on Meghan Markle’s recent claims about her mental health and her experiences of racism after joining the Royal Family.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says,” Piers said. “I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report, and the fact that she’s fired up this onslaught against our royal family, I think is contemptible.”

It was later revealed Piers had sparked more than 40,000 complaints to Ofcom, after which it was announced he was leaving GMB effective immediately.

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Piers Morgan

Since the news of his departure was confirmed, the divisive presenter doubled down on his views on Twitter, later telling reporters: “I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to be allowed to have an opinion. If people want to believe Meghan Markle, that’s entirely their right.

“I don’t believe almost anything that comes out of her mouth and I think the damage she’s done to the British monarchy and to the Queen at a time when Prince Philip is lying in hospital is enormous and frankly contemptible.

“If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly-held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it.”

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Meghan Markle Reportedly Complained To ITV About Piers Morgan Prior To GMB Exit

Meghan Markle formally complained to ITV about Piers Morgan before he exited Good Morning Britain, according to multiple reports.

The PA news agency reports that someone lodged the grievance with the broadcaster on the Duchess’ behalf, following controversial comments he made about her live on air following her US TV interview with Oprah Winfrey

PA understands that Meghan’s concern was not about the personal attacks on the validity of her racism allegation made against a member of the royal family, or her claims she was not supported by the institution when experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Instead, the complaint is said to focus on how Piers’ comments may affect the issue of mental health generally and those attempting to deal with their own problems.

Rex

Piers Morgan has left Good Morning Britain

The claims were also independently reported by the Guardian and the Telegraph when it was revealed over 41,000 people had complained to TV watchdog Ofcom over Piers’ remarks, with the story also featuring on ITV’s own lunchtime news bulletin on Wednesday.   

ITV declined to comment when contacted by HuffPost UK. 

The broadcaster confirmed the divisive presenter had left its flagship breakfast show on Tuesday, after he cast doubt on Meghan’s revelation during her interview that she had experienced suicidal thoughts after joining the Royal Family.

Telling Oprah of how there was a time where she “didn’t want to be alive anymore”, Megan continued: “I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. And I said that I’d never felt this way before. I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn’t, because it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”

On the following morning’s edition of GMB, Piers said: “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says.”

While co-host Susanna Reid shared her shock at Piers’ lack of sympathy, he continued: “I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report, and the fact that she’s fired up this onslaught against our royal family, I think is contemptible.”

Getty

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their interview with Oprah Winfrey

Piers had previously been criticised  by mental health charity Mind, who work with ITV on its Britain Get Talking initiative. 

Ofcom is now investigating whether Good Morning Britain broke broadcasting rules it has for harm and offence by airing Piers’ comments. 

Since leaving the programme, he has doubled down on his remarks in a tweet, writing: “On Monday, I said I didn’t believe Meghan Markle in her Oprah interview. I’ve had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still don’t. If you did, OK. 

“Freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on. Thanks for all the love, and hate. I’m off to spend more time with my opinions.”

He also insisted his exit from GMB was “amicable” and that he and ITV bosses “agreed to disagree”

On Wednesday, Piers’ GMB co-host Susanna Reid said the show “will go on” in his absence

Useful websites and helplines

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).

CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.

The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

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Got A Piers Morgan At Work? Here’s How To Stand Up To Them

Tensions over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview have been mounting in the Good Morning Britain studio – and weather presenter Alex Beresford has finally had enough of Piers Morgan’s hot takes.

On Monday, Morgan dismissed Meghan’s comments about the suicidal feelings she experienced, with comments that have since been slammed by mental health charities.

Beresford and Morgan had a Twitter spat about the royals, but on Tuesday, it spilled over live on air, resulting in Morgan storming out of the studio.

Criticising Morgan’s “diabolical behaviour”, Beresford said: “I’m sorry but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen. Six-thirty to seven o’clock yesterday [on the show] was incredibly hard to watch. Incredibly hard to watch.”

Many on Twitter have praised Beresford for standing up to a “bully”, but Morgan has criticised the way the weather presenter aired his views. “I was annoyed, went for a little cool-down, and came back to finish the discussion,” he tweeted.

So, is there a right way to stand up for what you believe in at work?

Witnessing toxic views or bullying in the workplace – whether it’s directed at yourself or others – undermines people’s wellbeing and self-confidence, says Tristram Hooley, professor of Career Education at the University of Derby. It damages an organisation, too, which is why it’s important to call it out.

“The problem is, standing up [for yourself] can often be a lonely experience and leave individuals exposed,” he tells HuffPost UK. “If you feel brave enough to ‘go it alone’ and challenge someone to their face then you should be proud of yourself. But it is often better to work with your colleagues and the systems within your organisation to address these problems.”

Prof. Hooley recommends talking to colleagues to ask their experiences and perceptions of the situation, as well as checking if they’d be prepared to back you up if you make a complaint.

“Speak to line managers and the organisation’s HR department so you don’t have to face the [person] down directly,” he advises. “If there is a trade union in your workplace, it can also be useful to involve them.”

Unfortunately, workplace bullying is common. Research from the employment lawyers at Citation found almost two in five (37%) employees have been bullied or harassed at work at some point. Speaking out practices you disagree with can be the first step in changing the culture of an organisation. This might be vital if you’re taking anti-racism seriously, for example. But it won’t be easy.

“Some managers view dissenting voices as evidence of disengagement and see those members of their team as troublemakers,” says Gillian McAteer, head of employment law at Citation.

“However, often quite the opposite is true and people speak up when they see things they disagree with because they care and want to make things better. Successful businesses value these voices and the role they play in improving practices and highlighting important details which management can easily overlook.”

Every employee has the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times, adds McAteer. Often, bullying or a toxic work culture is fuelled by someone more senior in the team than the victim, or those negatively impacted indirectly. That doesn’t mean it should go unchecked.

“Don’t shy away from difficult conversations,” says McAteer. “If an employee doesn’t agree with practices in the workplace, it’s important they speak up. And it’s the responsibility of the employer to act on any complaints, offer support and take the appropriate actions.”

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