Sharon Osbourne has had her say on cancel culture as she claimed she is unable to be employed in the US because people across the pond think she’s “racist”.
Opening up on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, which she is currently taking part in, she addressed her dismissal from US chat show The Talk, which came about in 2021 after she defended Piers Morgan following his exit from Good Morning Britain.
Osbourne, 71, has lived in America with her family, including rocker husband Ozzy, for more than two decades but in 2021 she was essentially cancelled from television roles following a backlash about her opinions.
She left her panel role on CBS’ The Talk after getting into a row with former co-host Sheryl Underwood following Morgan’s sensational departure from Good Morning Britain over his refusal to apologise for his views on Meghan Markle.
Comedian Underwood asked Osbourne: “What would you say to people who may feel that, while you’re standing by your friend, it appears that you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?”
“I feel even 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,” the former X Factor judge argued.
Osbourne had to leave The Talk in 2021
ITV
During the live show, she demanded her co-star give examples of how Morgan was racist, adding: “You tell me where you have heard him say, educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things.”
A statement by the show followed soon after, with a spokesperson saying: “Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave The Talk.
“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 behaviour toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.”
Osbourne rowed with her co-star on The Talk in 2021
CBS
Reflecting on the incident in the famous Big Brother house, Osbourne told Real Housewives star Lauren Simon and former X Factor colleague Louis Walsh: “I got banned in America.
"She did nothing wrong, nothing!” Walsh added, fighting his pal’s corner before Simon asked: “Can you not work in American TV now?”
“I can legally but nobody will employ me, because they say I’m racist,’ Osbourne explained.
“How can you be racist?” the reality star wondered before Osbourne agreed: “I know! They think we don’t know what it’s like to be picked on, I wouldn’t pick on anyone because of their race or religion ever.”
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The Celebrity Big Brother star explained the US think she's 'racist'
ITV
Shortly after the widely-shared and heated debate on the US show, Osbourne posted an apology online.
She stated she had “deep respect and love for the Black community,” adding: “To anyone of colour that I offended and/or to anyone that feels confused or let down by what I said, I am truly sorry.
“I panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive & allowed my fear & horror of being accused of being racist take over.
“There are very few things that hurt my heart more than racism so to feel associated with that spun me fast! I am not perfect, I am still learning like the rest of us & will continue to learn, listen and do better.”