CBS releases statement in support of diversity as it cancels 'The Talk' shows over co-host Sharon Osbourne defending Piers Morgan



CBS canceled some episodes of "The Talk" show over comments that co-host Sharon Osbourne made in defense of British TV personality Piers Morgan in the wake of a controversial interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

The television network made a statement in support of diversity as it shut down Osbourne for saying things it didn't like.

"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," the statement said.

Morgan came under fire after he criticized Markle for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she made accusations of racial bias among members of the British royal family. Morgan quit his own show after facing fierce criticism for accusing Markle of lying in the interview about her suicidal feelings.

Osbourne faced a similar fate after she defended Morgan on the basis that he should have free speech rights to say what he thinks.

"Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No," Osbourne said on Wednesday's show.

"Because it's his opinion. It's not my opinion," she explained. "I support him for his freedom of speech, and he's my friend."

Osbourne demanded to know from her co-hosts what Morgan said that was racist, and why she was being roped in with the same accusation during the contentious argument.

That was enough for CBS to pull the Monday and Tuesday episodes of the show and announce an internal investigation of the incident. The plan is to return to filming on Wednesday, Variety reported.

Osbourne later apologized for the comments, but said that she felt as if she had been ambushed about the subject that monopolized much of the show as her co-hosts questioned her friendship with Morgan.

"To anyone of color that I offended and/or to anyone that feels confused or let down by what I said, I am truly sorry," Osbourne said in the statement posted on Twitter. "I panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive & allowed my fear & horror of being accused of being racist take over.

Morgan also commented on the Osbourne debacle and demanded an apology from those on the show who criticized him and called him a racist.

"Sharon's been shamed & bullied into apologising for defending me against colleagues accusing me of racism because I don't believe Meghan Markle's bull***t," tweeted Morgan. "This is where we've reached. I demand an apology from those @TheTalkCBS bullies for their disgraceful slurs against ME."

Here's the video of Osbourne's comments:

'The Talk': Sheryl Underwood, Sharon Osbourne Discuss Racismwww.youtube.com

Piers Morgan storms off set of his morning show over Meghan Markle comments, and then quits the show altogether



Piers Morgan stormed off the set of the morning show he co-hosted and then quit the show altogether over outrage at his comments against Meghan Markle.

Viewers of "Good Morning Britain" registered their outrage with Morgan after he said that he didn't trust what Markle said during her controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey about contemplating suicide.

On Tuesday's episode of the show, co-host Alex Beresford took him to task for the comments and noted that Morgan's animus could have come from being previously rejected as Markle's paramour.

"I understand that you don't like Meghan Markle, you've made it so clear a number of times on this program. And I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one and she cut you off," said Beresford.

"Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her," he continued.

Morgan got up and walked off the show at that point.

"Okay, I'm done with this, sorry, no, sorry," said Morgan. "See you later, sorry, can't do this."

"This is absolutely diabolical behavior!" said Beresford after Morgan walked out.

Morgan tweeted later about the exchange.

"I just prefer not to sit there listening to colleagues call me diabolical," he wrote.

Morgan's comments were under investigation by Ofcom, the communications regulator for Great Britain, which said that they had received over 40,000 complaints registered against him.

Soon after, ITV said in a brief statement that Morgan had left the show permanently.

"Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain," ITV said. "ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."

Morgan later elaborated on his comments and made it clear that mental illness and suicide are serious issues that shouldn't be treated lightly.

He had previously been investigated and cleared by Ofcom over comments he made in Nov. 2019 mocking a "gender-neutral penguin" at London's Sea Life exhibit. The media regulator received over 1,000 complaints about his politically incorrect statement.

Here's more about the Morgan kerfuffle:

Piers Morgan STORMS OFF Set After Getting Called Out for Meghan Markle Commentswww.youtube.com