A source claims Sharon Osbourne is 'livid' in the aftermath of her talk show departure. Photo / AP
A source claims Sharon Osbourne is 'livid' in the aftermath of her talk show departure. Photo / AP
Sharon Osbourne is reportedly in a financial battle with The Talk bosses after her departure.
The 68-year-old entertainer clashed with her co-host Sheryl Underwood during an episode of the CBS show on March 10, when she defended her friend Piers Morgan against allegations of racism after his comments about Meghan,Duchess of Sussex, and her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.
This prompted the network to launch an investigation into the show – which has been off air for almost two weeks because of the controversy – and, last week, the broadcaster announced Osbourne would not be returning to the show as her actions "did not align with our values for a respectful workplace".
Now, a source has told the Sun newspaper's Bizarre column that Osbourne believes she is owed a seven figure sum.
The insider added: "Sharon is livid — a lot of what is being said is total nonsense, but she wanted to be away from the drama and agreed it was time to step away".
"She is adamant she is still owed money, though, and won't let that go. A quick departure with no further fuss would suit everyone but she isn't giving in on the cash."
Osbourne's row with Underwood began when she was defending Morgan after he said he didn't believe Meghan when she said she was battling suicidal thoughts, which prompted Underwood to say: "While you are standing by you your friend, it appears that you are giving validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist."
CBS announced last week Sharon Osbourne would not return to The Talk. Photo / AP
Osbourne replied: "Educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things? "I very much feel 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?
"How can I be racist about anybody or anything in my life?"
The show then cut to a commercial break, but when it returned, Osbourne continued to press Underwood for an explanation as to what was racist about Morgan's comments and added: "And don't try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me."
The following day, Osbourne apologised for her remarks.
CBS said last week the broadcast was "upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home".
"As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon's behaviour toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts.
"At the same time, we acknowledge the Network and Studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race."
CBS also confirmed The Talk will return to screens on April 12 in the US.
