The Talk host Sheryl Underwood has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding her former co-host Sharon Osbourne.
In a three-part series of her podcast , Underwood reflected on the fallout of the heated discussion she and Osbourne shared over the latter’s support for Piers Morgan, who caught heat for his comments against Meghan Markle and Price Harry. After Osbourne had expressed support for Morgan, she faced even more backlash as she became was accused of racist behavior from former co-host including Holly Robinson Peete. CBS launched an internal investigation which resulted in a hiatus for The Talk and eventually, Osbourne’s exit.
In the first of the three The Talk-related episodes, Underwood said that she regrets the heated on-air discussion happened in the first place, noting the explosive moment “was going to happen out of my control.” When asked about why she has not criticized Osbourne for exiting the daytime talk series, Underwood said that she will support her friend “in good and bad.”
“There was a part of me that felt like she had to do the best for herself and for her family,” Underwood said. “She had to do the best for her life.”
When Osbourne exited The Talk back on March 26, her departure was met with a mix of reactions. Some viewers and fans were excited about the move, others were disappointed and criticized CBS of “cancel culture.” Underwood, however said she cannot find comfort in the ongoing situation when The Talk returns on April 12.
“My friends are being attacked. It’s a situation where even things are said after the fact still do not bring me solace. It doesn’t bring me comfort, it opens the wound even further,” she said.
The controversy surrounding The Talk and Osbourne made for a learning moment, Underwood said. She said she and her fellow co-stars are “learning about ourselves,” reflecting on how the show will move on and how it has changed. Though The Talk will return one host short, Underwood shared a message for fans:
“Continue watch as we grow and evolve.”