Why is The Talk a re-run today? Investigation launched by CBS after Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood ‘racism’ discussion clash

The talk show panelists got heated whilst discussing Piers Morgan's departure from UK show Good Morning Britain

Sheryl Underwood, Carrie Ann Inaba, Sharon Osbourne, Eve Cooper, and Marie Osmond, hosts of the CBS series THE TALK, airing Weekdays
(Image credit: CBS Photo Archive / Contributor Getty)

Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood's on-air clash during a 'racism' discussion on The Talk last week has prompted an investigation by broadcaster CBS.

If you're wondering why the show has been off-air for the last two days, it has been revealed that the show has been temporarily pulled - with old re-run episodes of the show now being screened - so that the matter can be looked into properly. The talk show is expected to return as normal on Wednesday 17th March.

As reported, Sharon Osbourne shouted down her TV co-host as she became embroiled in an emotional defense of her friend Piers Morgan. The panel was taking part in a racism discussion but it soon became heated with Sharon losing it with co-host Sheryl Underwood.

Sharon later took to Twitter to apologize for her actions, after she came under fire from viewers.

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A source told The Sun, "This is the worst time in the history of the show. The network execs are furious that their Grammys night was interrupted by dealing with the show's drama. Heads are going to roll."

The insider continued, "They may pay off Sharon the rest of her $5 million dollar contract and be done after she called out the network for making producers ambush her. But also possible she will not be let go."

In a statement released by CBS on Friday, March 12, a 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."

Sharon, 68, who is the wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, hit out at critics last Wednesday after they questioned her support for embattled British TV personality Piers Morgan, who came under fire last week for his personal attacks on Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex including his instant rejection of Meghan's mental health claim.

Sharon stood by her decision to support her friend who stormed off the GMB set, telling viewers of her CBS panel show The Talk that she shouldn't be criticized. She 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.”

But the discussion went on to get heated and now CBS is investigating the incident.

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Meanwhile, Piers has defended his friend, Sharon, following the on-air backlash. He tweeted, 'Sharon's been shamed and bullied into apologizing for defending me against colleagues accusing me of racism because I don't believe Meghan Markle, I demand an apology from those @TheTalkCBS bullies for their disgraceful slurs against ME.'

Prince Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview continues to rock the nation.

Selina Maycock

Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She has covered all things Entertainment for GoodtoKnow, Woman&Home and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand.