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1:13 PM PDT 03/16/2021
by
Mikey O’Connell
After a controversial defense of his friend Piers Morgan during a conversation about racism, Osbourne faces charges of further wrongdoing on set.
The speech will remain silent for another week.
After falling into obscurity on Monday and Tuesday, the CBS panel series extends its brief hiatus from live broadcasts until Tuesday, March 23, as the network continues a review from last Wednesday’s heated debate between Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood. Initially planning to return to live episodes on Wednesday, March 17, the show will remain dark as Osbourne’s defense against Piers Morgan and comments about racism – particularly his confrontation with Underwood, his black colleague – come under the microscope. internally.
A CBS spokesperson sent Hollywood journalist the following comment about Tuesday’s extended hiatus: “CBS is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace in all of our productions. We are also keenly aware of the significant concerns expressed and ongoing discussions regarding the events on The speech. This includes a process where all voices are heard, complaints are investigated and appropriate action taken if necessary. The show will extend its production hiatus until next Tuesday as we continue to examine these issues.
Fallout for Osbourne (and the show) came swiftly after the longtime panelist’s tearful defense of his friend and fellow Brit, Morgan, who stormed the set (and ultimately left) ITV. Hello Great Britain – which he co-hosted since 2015 – after his vitriolic criticism of Meghan Markle was viewed by most as racist. At one point, in his defense of Morgan, Osbourne attacked and demanded that Underwood tell him what Morgan had done wrong. “Educate me, tell me when you heard him say racist things,” Osbourne said. “I really feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who a lot of people think is racist, so does that make me a racist?”
Since then, control has only intensified. Original cast member Holly Robinson Peete tweeted that Osbourne made racist comments about her prior to her dismissal, a fact Osbourne disputed. his own Twitter message. More damning on Tuesday, reporter Yashar Ali posted a Substack detailing further allegations of Osbourne’s racist language on the set of The speech – including comments from original panelist Leah Remini.
Osbourne is the only original member of The speech to get to the current 11th season. Peete and Remini both left after the first season. Series creator Sara Gilbert left at the end of season nine, and Julie Chen left during season eight – as husband and former CBS boss Les Moonves saw his career implode in the middle. multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Osbourne’s new publicist Howard Bragman issued the following statement on Tuesday: “The only thing worse than a disgruntled ex-employee is a disgruntled ex-talk show host. For 11 years, Sharon has been kind, collegial and friendly to her hosts, as evidenced by their planning of parties, inviting them to her home in the UK and other acts of kindness too numerous to name. Sharon is disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised by the lies, the recasting of the story and the bitterness that emerges from it at the moment. She will survive this, as she always has, and her heart will remain open and good because she refuses to let others bring her down. She thanks her family, friends and fans for being by her side and knowing her true nature. “
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