Sharon Osbourne has been accused of using discriminatory language towards her The Talk co-stars, according to a recent report.
The allegations come just one day after CBS paused production of the chat show to investigate Sharon’s controversial discussion on race with fellow host Sheryl Underwood. After defending Piers Morgan’s controversial statements on Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah, the British TV personality came under fire herself for allegedly using racist and homophobic slurs on the set of The Talk.
Sharon would often refer to her ex-colleague, Julie Chen, as ‘wonton’ and ‘slanty eyes’, according to claims by actor Leah Remini, who co-hosted the show on its first season.
Leah told journalist Yashir Ali that Sharon once said, “I mean, who the f–k does slanty eyes think she is? She shouldn’t be pillow-talking with our boss.” Julie, who was one of The Talk’s original presenters, left the show in 2018 after nine seasons.
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Leah also recalled Sharon using homophobic language towards The Talk’s executive producer and former host, Sara Gilbert. She allegedly referred to Sara, who is an openly gay woman, as a ‘pussy licker’ and a ‘fish-eater.’
(L-R) Leah Remini, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Julie Chen on The View
This isn’t the first time Leah has called out Sharon’s behavior. In 2012, she claimed that the former talent manager had her fired from The Talk, along with Holly Robinson, after just one season, for acting too ‘ghetto.’
"Sharon thought me and Holly were 'ghetto'... we were not funny, awkward, and didn't know ourselves," she said on Twitter. "She has the power that was given to her."
Sharon denied the allegations, insisting that she "had absolutely nothing to do with her departure from the show."
Sharon’s spokesperson has since dismissed the latest allegations, revealing that her client is ‘disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised by the lies, the recasting of history and the bitterness coming out at this moment.’
CBS has also released a statement amidst the ongoing investigation into the matter, "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. The show will extend its production hiatus until next Tuesday as we continue to review these issues."
