An internal investigation kicked off at “The Talk” after host Elaine Welteroth and her hairstylist complained of an alleged “racially insensitive and hostile environment” on the show.
A source said, “Elaine Welteroth and her hairstylist complained to HR over Sharon Osbourne’s recent exchange with Sheryl Underwood.
“They said they don’t feel comfortable working in a racially insensitive and hostile environment, and this complaint launched the investigation.”
But it wasn’t just journalist and author Welteroth who was left fuming after last Wednesday’s heated debate over Piers Morgan’s comments about Meghan Markle.
The source said Osbourne herself felt set up by the producers of the TV show, who wanted her to be blindsided on live TV so the episode would be “more explosive.”
The source continued, “Showrunners Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews were confronted by Sharon after Wednesday’s show, and she grilled them about why they didn’t prepare her for what was coming from Sheryl.
“Sharon felt the producers had been ordered not to prepare her and let her be blindsided on live TV because it would be more explosive and get more publicity. She is furious.”
The source added, “There’s a lot of finger-pointing going on behind the scenes. ‘The Talk’ is in full self-destruct mode; everyone is throwing whoever they can under the bus.”
The staff was emailed Sunday afternoon that the show would not be taping live shows on Monday or Tuesday as CBS investigates “the situation and concerns” after Osbourne’s tense exchange with Underwood after Osbourne defended longtime friend Morgan and his controversial comments about Markle.
Page Six can also exclusively reveal that a memo was sent to all cast, staff and crew at “The Talk” that states, “As a result of Wednesday’s taping, we want to make it clear that HR is actively involved in addressing the situation and concerns that have been brought to our attention.
“We are committed to a diverse, respectful and inclusive workplace and want to ensure that you are all aware of all the resources available to you should you wish to talk to someone.”
The memo includes contact numbers and emails for CBS human resources, plus a 24-hour tip line for anonymous concerns.
Reps for CBS didn’t return Page Six’s request for comment, but it released a statement Friday following the announcement of its investigation.
“All matters related to the Wednesday episode of ‘The Talk’ are currently under internal review,” the network said in a statement.
After the heated on-air debate, Osbourne tweeted a lengthy apology that said she does not “condone racism, misogyny or bullying.”