Sharon Osbourne has been accused of using homophobic and racist language amidst The Talk hiatus

Sharon Osbourne has been accused of using discriminatory slurs towards her former The Talk co-hosts

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Sharon Osbourne attends the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)
(Image credit: John Shearer/Getty Images)

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.’ 

LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 2: Heavy Metal legend Ozzy Osbourne visits with his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and her co-hosts on THE TALK on Tuesday, February 8, on the CBS Television Network. THE TALK, CBS's new daily daytime talk show that examines topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of six female hosts who are all mothers, airs weekdays (2:00-3:00 PM, ET / 1:00-2:00 PM, PT). THE TALK is hosted by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini. Brad Bessey, Gilbert, who developed the show, and John Redmann are exGecutive producers. (Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images)

(L-R) Leah Remini, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Julie Chen on The View 

(Image credit: Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images))

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."

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.