Piers Morgan rages at The Talk ‘bullies’ who shamed Sharon Osbourne because he didn’t believe ‘Meghan Markle’s bulls***’
PIERS Morgan has furiously claimed his pal Sharon Osbourne had been "shamed and bullied" into clarifying her support for him after an explosive row on her US show, The Talk.
We reported today how mum-of-three Sharon had taken to her Instagram page to insist she is "not racist" and explain how she reacted in "horror" to suggestions she is following the on-air spat in which she broke down in tears.
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The lengthy discussion on live TV centred on her choice to defend her over Meghan Markle, particularly following her bombshell interview with Oprah, after which he claimed he "didn't believe a word" said by the Duchess of Sussex.
Shortly after Sharon posted her emotive Instagram message, the former Good Morning Britain host took to his Twitter account in anger and responded: "Sharon's been shamed & bullied into apologising for defending me against colleagues accusing me of racism because I don't believe Meghan Markle's bullsh*t. This is where we've reached.
"I demand an apology from those @TheTalkCBS bullies for their disgraceful slurs against ME."
In her message Sharon, 68, said she was "sorry" to anyone she "offended" with her comments on Wednesday's explosive episode of The Talk.
Sharon broke down in tears during a lengthy discussion about her choice to defend her over the years about the former .
She had previously posted a Tweet insisting she "stood by" ex GMB anchor Piers after his comments over Meghan's bombshell interview with Prince Harry, in which the Suits actress told how she felt suicidal during her time living in the UK, and senior figures in the Royals had questioned the colour of her unborn child.
Piers hailed his fellow former AGT judge a "true friend" for her words as she wrote: "I am with you."
Yet in standing by her friend, Sharon clearly upset her The Talk co-host Sheryl Underwood as the pair locked horns over whether Piers was indeed racist - with The Sun exclusively revealing show bosses fear Sharon will now quit after the fracas.
Taking to her Instagram page hours after the on-air spat - which saw the show hosts refuse to apologise to each other on air as revealed exclusively by The US Sun - Sharon posted a lengthy message in which she clarified her position and views, as well as her belief in "freedom of speech."
The Osbournes star wrote: "After some reflection, after sitting with your comments and 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 and support from the black community and I have deep respect and love for the black community.
"To anyone of colour that I offended and/or anyone that feels confused and let down by what I said I am sorry.
"I felt panicked, truly blindsided, got defensive and allowed my fear and 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 and will continue to learn, listen and do better.
"Please hear me when I say I do not condone racism, misogyny or bullying. I should have been more specific about that in my Tweet.
"I will always support freedom of speech but now I see how I unintentionally did not make that clear distinction.
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She finished her lengthy message with her name, and a red Emoji love heart.
One fan quickly commented in support, and wrote: "You have one of the biggest hearts ever… you’ve always struck me, as someone who cares deeply about people, no matter what their race is. You care about people, and animals… you’re good in my book!"
Yet another mused: "Was so disappointed hearing about this! When I see some celebs' true colors it doesn't shock me - this one did! Do better! Apology appreciated but do better!"
One then commented: "You don't need to apologise. We're all in agreement with Piers and applaud you for standing by him."
During The Talk, fans slammed ’s wife as also being “racist,” as she said at the top of the program: “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. It’s a terrible, evil word to call anyone that’s not knowledge of that.
“What have I ever said about anybody that’s racist? It’s not within me. It’s not in my soul.”
However, her co-host Sheryl, 57, appeared unimpressed with Sharon’s comments, as she acknowledged last time he appeared on their talk show.
On Thursday's show, the atmosphere between Sheryl and Sharon was awkward and a source told The Sun both sides “refused to apologise.”
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 apologise 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.”
Sharon and Piers have a close friendship that goes back decades, with the pair both on the America's Got Talent judging panel. Sharon was also Piers' first guest on his ITV series, Life Stories, in 2009.
On Tuesday, Piers after on air following his heated clash with the show’s weatherman, , 40, over to .
But he was not willing to apologise and walked - bringing an immediate end to his six-year stint on the morning show.
It was revealed the Duchess of Sussex complained to ITV to raise concerns Piers's words might affect those struggling with mental health.
The 39-year-old Duchess told Oprah Winfrey she felt like she "didn't want to be alive anymore" in her bombshell interview on Sunday.
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But on Monday's Good Morning Britain, Morgan said he "didn't believe a word" of it.
He then rowed with Alex and stormed off the set - before handing in his notice to bosses hours later.
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He has ruled out a GMB return but hailed the petitions to reinstate him as a "pleasant surprise."