CBS has postponed the return of daytime series “The Talk” yet again as the network continues to investigate allegations made against co-host Sharon Osbourne.
The show’s hiatus has been postponed until at least the end of this week, Page Six has confirmed.
The show was initially put on a brief hold following controversy surrounding Osbourne’s support of Piers Morgan, which was followed by several accusations of racism from colleagues. The show’s hiatus was extended days later, and the show had been scheduled to return March 22 before this latest extension.
“Everyone is in limbo and wants this to be over,” a source told Page Six. “There’s still no clear understanding of what the outcome is going to be. They have to thoroughly look into all of this stuff. There’s a lot of new leadership and they don’t want to repeat the days of Les Moonves where things were often ignored and let go. They’re looking into all of the allegations.”
For her part, Osbourne has denied allegations that she called previous host Julie Chen a “wonton.” She also put out a statement through her spokesperson saying, “The only thing worse than a disgruntled former employee is a disgruntled former talk show host.
“For 11 years, Sharon has been kind, collegial and friendly with her hosts as evidenced by throwing them parties, inviting them to her home in the UK and other gestures of kindness too many to name.”
The 68-year-old has also notified the police and massively beefed up her security after receiving threats to herself, her family and even their pets in the wake of the controversy.
She did, however, apologize for her comments about Morgan after defending his rant about Meghan Markle’s mental health, which sparked a heated on-air discussion between her and co-host Sheryl Underwood.
Osbourne has found a supporter in singer pal Cyndi Lauper.
“I have known her for a long time and I do not believe that she is racist,” the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” singer declared on social media Thursday.
She added, alongside a photo of herself and Osbourne hugging, “I understand that she may have misspoken, used the wrong words, and acted in ways that have been hurtful to others. She may have even flubbed her apology. But I do believe that she is sincere in trying to make things right.”