‘The Talk’ returns after Sharon Osbourne exit, Sheryl Underwood cites ‘PTSD’ following on-air spat
Underwood also addressed why she didn't answer Osbourne's apology texts
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The Talk" returned to its regular programming schedule following a nearly month-long hiatus after an on-air spat between Sharon Osbourne and co-host Sheryl Underwood saw the former reality star leave the show for good.
Underwood, 57, opened up on Monday’s episode about the "trauma" she said she’s been dealing with amid her public fallout with Osbourne, 68, but noted that she was eager to get back in front of the show’s devoted audience to explain her side of the matter.
"I feel like I’ve been in, like, PTSD because it was a trauma," Underwood explained. "And I feel like I want to get past this because I really wanted to get back to work with my friends and my colleagues and the crew … but I also wanted to get back to the audience."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The comedian also leaned into the issues at hand and told viewers that she and the remaining members of "The Talk" would "honestly discuss what occurred and explore some of our feelings," adding that the crew would "also show you how anyone can become more comfortable discussing important issues and having difficult conversations."
SHARON OSBOURNE'S HUSBAND OZZY OSBOURNE SEEMINGLY REACTS TO HER EXIT FROM 'THE TALK'
Trouble for Sharon Osbourne began after she expressed support for Piers Morgan when he questioned the legitimacy of claims made by Meghan Markle during her interview with Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey. (Getty Images)
She pressed that the conversation surrounding Osbourne’s controversial departure is needed in order to "process the events of that day and what happened since, so we can get to the healing."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}While addressing her co-hosts and the viewership court, Underwood lamented that she feared being seen by others as "the angry black woman" and thus, chose to keep calm during the heated exchange with Osbourne, in which the "America’s Got Talent" judge expressed support for Piers Morgan after he left "Good Morning Britain" over differing opinions about Meghan Markle following the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
"I didn’t want to escalate things with Sharon because I thought I was having a conversation with a friend, but also I knew I had to be an example for others to follow because I didn’t want to be perceived as the angry black woman," Underwood explained, adding, "and that really scared me."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}She continued: "I didn’t want to be that and I wanted to remain calm and remain focused, and it’s difficult to go back to that day because I just feel the trauma. I feel fearful, apprehensive."
Last month, a source close to Osbourne told Us Weekly that the "Extreme" author was "bitterly disappointed" at the way her time on the popular daytime talk show came to an end.
"Her whole career has been based on not holding back, speaking her mind and championing free speech — so to be classified or perceived as a bigot or a racist is a sickening scenario and an utter nightmare for her, especially since she insists up and down it’s all a pack of lies and that’s the last thing she is," the insider told the publication.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SHARON OSBOURNE HIRES SECURITY TEAM AFTER RECEIVING DEATH THREATS: REPORT
Meanwhile, Underwood claimed last week that Osbourne hadn’t personally reached out to apologize to her following the incident. However, Osbourne refuted the claim in a memorandum to the Daily Mail and provided alleged screenshots of the text messages she sent to Underwood.
Underwood confirmed on Monday’s episode that Osbourne did in fact text her but maintained that she didn’t answer said messages because Underwood wasn’t sure if she was allowed to given the internal investigation taking place at the show.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sheryl Underwood says she experienced PTSD following her heated on-air discussion with Sharon Osbourne that preceded Osbourne’s exit from 'The Talk.' (Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
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Since departing "The Talk," Osbourne is said to be planning her next move with the support of her immediate friends and family.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Her family is supporting her too and it tears them all apart seeing her suffer like this," the insider told Us Weekly last month. "They think it’s a big stitch-up and she’s been hung out to dry for something she hasn’t done or believed in."