The new series of Celebrity Big Brother has seen former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne enter the house as the series' first ever lodger, aka she's only in for a week of the show's three week run. But despite only being there for a short time, she's certainly made her mark on the show. From nominating Gary Goldsmith for eviction, to expressing her dislike for James Corden, Sharon is unlikely to be forgotten any time soon.
And during last night's show (7 March), Sharon explained to fellow housemates Louis Walsh and Lauren Simon, why she claims she's unemployable in the US now. While the housemates were nominating each other for eviction, Sharon told the housemates: "I got banned in America".
Louis entered the chat, adding: "She did nothing wrong, nothing!", to which Lauren asked: "Can you not work in American TV now?"
Sharon then clarified, explaining, "I can legally but nobody will employ me, because they say I’m racist."
Lauren asked,"How can you be racist?" and Sharon replied, "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."
If you were scratching your head while watching last night's show wondering what Sharon was talking about then, it's likely Sharon was referencing her exit from the show The Talk. But what actually happened on the talk show? And why did Sharon exit the series? Here's what you need to know.
Why did Sharon Osbourne exit The Talk?
The Talk is an American daytime talk show featuring a panel of women discussing the day's news events and topics (think Loose Women, stateside).
Sharon was one of the original panellists since the show began in 2010, however, she exited the show after 11 years in 2021 following an episode in which she defended Piers Morgan.
In March 2021, following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey, The Talk discussed Piers Morgan's criticisms about Markle. Sharon was embroiled in a row with fellow panellist Sheryl Underwood, when Sharon defended Piers' words.
She told Sheryl to "educate" her on racism, and added she felt she was being, "put in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is racist."
Following the episode, The Talk issued a statement saying Sharon had decided to exit the series, and added the events of the episode were "were upsetting to everyone involved".
In a statement they said, "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. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts.
"At the same time, we acknowledge the Network and Studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race."
Following her exit from the series Sharon issued an apology on social media, saying: "After some reflection, after sitting with your comments & sitting with my heart I would like to address the discussion on The Talk this past Wednesday. I have always been embraced with so much love & support from the black community & I have deep respect & love for the black community. 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."
Celebrity Big Brother continues on ITV1 and ITVX
Lydia Venn
Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the , before working as Features Editor at , where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on .
