The Talk: CBS launches internal investigation into Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood’s racism discussion

Viewers accused Osbourne of ‘gaslighting’ her co-host during Wednesday’s episode

CBS has launched an internal investigation into Sharon Osbourne’s heated discussion about racism on The Talk.

During Wednesday’s (10 March) episode of the US chat show, Osbourne defended Piers Morgan after he quit Good Morning Britain following his criticism of Meghan Markle.

Raising her voice at co-host Sheryl Underwood while clutching a tissue, Osbourne said: “I will ask you again Sheryl...  and don’t try and cry because if anyone should be crying, it should be me… You tell me where you have heard him say racist things.”

Viewers accused Osbourne of “gaslighting” her fellow presenter, with one commenter writing: “Behold Sharon Osbourne making it all about her, forcing the Black women around her to comfort her in her hour of victimhood.”

Now, Deadline reports that an internal investigation is in place at CBS looking into the incident.

Read more: Former The Talk host claims Sharon Osbourne said she was ‘too ghetto’

“We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace,” a CBS spokesperson told the publication. “All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review.”

Deadline also reports that a closed-door meeting took place between the hosts after Wednesday’s show.

Osbourne later apologised for her behaviour during the segment, tweeting: “To anyone of color that I offended… I am truly sorry. I panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive & allowed my fear & horror of being accused of being racist take over.”

However, Morgan demanded that the other Talk hosts should be the ones to apologise to him, saying that they had used “disgraceful slurs” against him.