Sharon Osborne got into an emotional debate with her ‘The Talk’ co-presenters on Wednesday, defending her boyfriend Piers Morgan – and herself – after accusing Meghan Markle of exaggerated claims of racism in the British royal family.
‘I liked everything [Morgan] said? Did I agree with what he said? No, because it is his opinion. It’s not my opinion. But how is it that since I’ve been supporting an old friend and colleague of mine for years, everyone is going, if you support him, you have to be racist because he’s racist? ” said Osbourne, 68.
The tense and tearful discussion between Osbourne and her co-hosts came after she tweeted on Tuesday that she is behind Morgan, who left “Good Morning Britain” amid criticism that he attacked Markle in the wake of her interview with Oprah Winfrey Sunday.
Morgan accused Markle of exaggerated claims of racism in the royal family, saying he did not believe she was discouraged from seeking psychological help while she was suicidal.
“@Piersmorgan I am with you. I will assist you. People forget that you are paid for your opinion and that you are just speaking your truth, ”she wrote.
The Talk co-host and author Elaine Marie Welteroth said she understood why some people were lashed out at Osbourne after the social media post.
“Right now we need people to stand up for anti-racism,” Welteroth said. “If we give steps or allow space for people to say harmful, harmful things, then we will allow it … And I think people will respond to that.”
Osbourne replied, “I feel like I’m about to be put in an electric chair because I have a friend who a lot of people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist.”
She then challenged the other hosts to tell her “what he said is racist.”
Sheryl Underwood replied that “the implication” of Morgan firing Markle was racist, rather than the words themselves.
‘Why can’t he just not like her? Why does it have to be racist? Osbourne said.