CBS later explained why Osbourne would be leaving the show.
Co-host Elaine Welteroth was caught on mic comforting Osbourne following the explosive conversation.
Osbourne can be heard crying while Welteroth tells her that producers wanted her to plant the conversation starter.
“They asked me to ask that question.
I said, ‘No, I’m not going to ask that question.’
I said to them, ‘This is going to be a train wreck.’
Welteroth then adds that she and Underwood weren’t blaming Osbourne.
“I just want you to know, Sharon.
Sheryl loves you and respects you so much and had your back behind the scenes.
She was not trying to attack you.
And I know you’re upset.
She really is your friend.”
Welteroth concludes, “She doesn’t think you’re racist.
I don’t think you’re racist.
No one who knows you would ever say that or think that” (via The Daily Mail).
