A video clip of embattled The Talk co-host Sharon Osbourne commenting on Meghan Markle’s race has resurfaced. The footage comes as CBS extends the show’s hiatus amidst an internal review stemming from the March 10 episode in which Osbourne got into a heated exchange with co-host Sheryl Underwood in which Osbourne demanded Underwood “educate” her on racism. The on-air blow-up started from Osbourne’s defense of Piers Morgan who dismissed Markle’s claims of racism and mental health struggles during her time as a working member of the Royal Family during a bombshell sit-down interview with Oprah. Now, it seems Osbourne has previously had opinions of the Duchess’ race.
The clip, which was reportedly captured in 2018, re-emerged from journalist Yashar Ali, who released a report Tuesday (March 16) of additional allegations of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia former colleagues of Osbourne endured during their time on the show.
In it, Sheryl Underwood says Meghan Markle brought “Blackness to the royal family.” Osbourne responds, “She ain’t Black,” as reported by The Huffington Post.
Both Underwood, and co-host at the time Eve, immediately stepped in to correct Osbourne, that Markle is biracial and that her mother, Doria Ragland, is a Black woman. But Osbourne maintained her stance on the matter.
“Yeah, no, I know, but she doesn’t look Black,” Osbourne said.
“To who?” both Underwood and Eve asked together.
“To anybody,” Osbourne replies back.
Eve underlined that “Black people come in all shades,” before ending the conversation, citing the deep-rooted complexities of Blackness and complexion.
“That’s a whole discussion we don’t need to have,” Eve said.
Page Six first reported that Elaine Welteroth filed a complaint to HR over racism in the workplace following the most recent on-air exchange.
While Osbourne tweeted an apology following backlash, she reportedly described herself as a “sacrificial lamb,” during an interview on Tuesday (March 16) with Entertainment Tonight.
She also said she was “set up” by Underwood’s questions about defending Morgan.
The show is set to return to production next Tuesday (March 23) according to a statement CBS provided to Deadline.
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