Sharon Osbourne has lawyered up big-time amid “The Talk” drama, which has exploded into a full-blown scandal about race.
Osbourne is being represented by powerhouse lawyer Jeremiah Reynolds, of the LA law firm Eisner, in her negotiations with CBS as the network investigates reports of an alleged “racially insensitive and hostile environment” on the show.
The complaints were sparked by Osbourne’s recent exchange with Sheryl Underwood, which has forced the show off the air for two weeks so far.
A source familiar with the CBS internal investigation said, “Sharon wasted no time in getting her lawyers immediately on the case. Jeremiah Reynolds has a very strong reputation as a trial and arbitration lawyer and is handling all her negotiations with CBS.”
Another source had earlier told Page Six that Osbourne is expecting to be fired, but she won’t go without a huge payout from CBS.
“The network will have to pay her a sizable settlement to keep her quiet after this,” the source said. “She could write a book, she would do a world of interviews. She knows where all the bodies are buried.”
Her lawyer Reynolds is such a corporate brawler, he even represented boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s team in negotiations with Manny Pacquiao over what would become the richest prizefight in history.
According to his bio on his firm’s website, he has also represented a host of celebrities in legal matters including Richard Gere, Justin Bieber, the Kardashian Family, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Paris Hilton.
Reynolds has also worked extensively with the Osbourne family: Sharon, Ozzy, Kelly and Jack. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Aside from “The Talk’s” on-air drama, which was sparked over Osbourne’s emotional defense of pal Piers Morgan’s criticism of Meghan Markle, there have been accusations of racial insensitivity behind the scenes.
Page Six first reported Elaine Welteroth and her hairstylist complained to HR, saying that “they don’t feel comfortable working in a racially insensitive and hostile environment, and this complaint launched the investigation.”
Former co-host Holly Robinson Peete went on to allege that Osbourne called her “too ghetto” to be on the show. Fellow “The Talk” alum Leah Remini also claimed the Brit referred to Julie Chen, who is Chinese American, as a “wonton” and “slanty eyes,” and called Sara Gilbert, who is a lesbian, a “p—y licker.” Osbourne has denied these claims.
“The Talk” has extended its hiatus until at least the end of this week while execs further investigate these matters.