THE Talk’s Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood “refused to apologize” on air after their blowout fight on Wednesday’s episode, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
, 68, got into an argument with Sheryl, 57, as she explained her decision to defend her friend ’s “freedom of speech” over his intense scrutiny of Meghan Markle over the years.
opened Thursday's episode of by addressing the fight, as she said: “We are a TV family here. Sometimes we argue like we did yesterday and sometimes we laugh, but we are back together again today and we are ready to start today's show!”
The women then discussed show topics, as Sharon and Sheryl did not issue any apologies.
A source told The Sun both sides “refused to apologize.”
The insider claimed: “Sheryl and Elaine did not want to look weak to the black community who think they went out of their way to educate Sharon. Sharon does not trust that Sheryl and Elaine wouldn’t bury her further on air.
“She does not want to apologize when she feels she was attacked on air for supporting a friend. It was an impasse and there is still tension you can cut with a knife.”
The source continued to claim: “The damage is done. Mrs. O will never forgive Sheryl for ambushing her with that question and seeming to paint her out to be racist on live television. That bridge is forever burned.
“Mrs. O left the set sobbing yesterday so hurt by what transpired.”
Viewers commented on the tension between the co-hosts throughout the episode.
One tweeted: “Okay @TheTalkCBS is super awkward, uncomfortable and cringey & we all know why! Sharon owes her co-hosts an apology!”
A second wrote: “The air is so thick you could cut it with a knife.”
A third commented: “Yep… that air is a bit thick between Sheryl and Sharon today. Sharon looks uncomfortable. Sheryl’s gettin’ on with ease because, like many of us, she’s had to do that before. But trust, she hasn’t forgotten.”
Sharon said on Wednesday’s show: “Why is it that because I supported a longtime friend and work colleague for years, people go ‘well you must be racist because he’s racist.’
“No. I support his freedom of speech. I’m not racist and neither is Piers racist.
“What have I ever said about anybody that’s racist? It’s not within me. It’s not in my soul.”
Sheryl disagreed with Sharon’s comments, as she acknowledged last time he appeared on their talk show.
Sharon continued: “I have friends in my life and I speak up for my friend. If he ever needed me, I’d be there for him.
“But I feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is a racist so that makes me a racist.”
When Sheryl said “well…” Sharon screamed: “Well? Well what? Well what?”
Sheryl then tried to go to commercial break, but as cameras cut back to the studio, the mom-of-three was seen crying on set.
Sharon fired at her co-star when the show returned: “I’ll ask you again Sheryl because I’ve been asking during the break…
“Oh and don’t try to cry, if anyone should be crying it should be me! This is the situation… educate me, tell me where you have heard him say racist things. Educate me!”
Sheryl then explained: “It’s not the exact words of racism it’s the implication and the reaction to it. To not want to address that because she is a Black woman and to try to dismiss it, that’s what makes it racist.
“But right now I’m talking to a woman that is my friend and I don’t want anybody here to watch this and say we’re attacking you for being racist.”
Sharon then laughed and rolled her eyes before quipping: “I think it’s too late. I think that seed’s already sewn.”
An insider told The Sun that , the only original cast member, will quit.
The source claimed: “Sharon is hurt that she was attacked on air. She feels she was made to look bad. She feels betrayed and that no one at the show has her back.”
The source added: “If Sharon quits the show will most certainly be canceled. No one will watch without Sharon.
“We are still the lowest rated of all network shows, down more than 30 percent from last year.”
Viewer reaction to the fight has been mixed, as many defended Mrs. O, while others took Sheryl and Elaine's side.
On Monday, Piers after on air following his clash with the show’s weatherman, , 40, over with .
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for his reaction to and was racially abused by the royal family.
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But Piers said he was not willing to apologize, and quit — ending on the morning show.
After it was announced he would not return, Sharon tweeted: "I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth."