The Talk will return on Monday, April 12, with a conversation about inclusion after an explosive on-air debate on racism, that led to a weeks-long hiatus and Sharon Osbourne’s exit.
The first episode back will feature hosts Sheryl Underwood, Carrie Ann Inaba, Amanda Kloots, and Elaine Welteroth discussing “race and healing,” CBS said Friday in a press release.
The hosts will be joined by Donald E. Grant, an expert on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, along with Anita Phillips, a nationally acclaimed trauma therapist and life coach.
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Grant “will offer advice on how to have these difficult conversations,” and Phillips “will share her expertise on how to heal after a painful event or conversation.”
The announcement comes after the March 10 episode of the chat show, that saw Osbourne curse and point a finger at Underwood during a conversation on race.
Osbourne was defending British TV personality Piers Morgan after he criticized Meghan Markle for her tell-all March 7 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Underwood said Morgan’s comments on British TV could be perceived as racist. Osbourne disagreed and responded, “I don’t know what he’s uttered that’s racist. I’m not trying to slide out of this one, I don’t know—tell me. What has he uttered that’s racist?”
Osbourne then became defensive, raised her voice and said, “And I think we should stop this f–king,” before she was muted by production and Underwood tossed to break.
After the break, Underwood calmly responded: “It is not the exact words of racism. It’s the implication and the reaction to it. To not want to address that because she is a Black woman, and to try to dismiss it, or to make it seem less than what it is, that’s what makes it racist. But right now I am talking to a woman who I believe is my friend, and I don’t want anybody here to watch this and think we’re attacking you for being racist.”
Some social media users accused Osbourne of gaslighting. As the controversy exploded, CBS launched an investigation and placed The Talk on hiatus.
On March 26, CBS announced Osbourne would not be returning.
“Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk,” the network said. “The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”
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