Underwood said she wanted to use that moment to ‘be a better example’

Sheryl Underwood has spoken out after her intense exchange with The Talk co-host Sharon Osbourne earlier in the week.

Osbourne, 68, received intense backlash for supporting Piers Morgan. Morgan questioned the authenticity of Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts which were revealed during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

During an appearance on The Steve Harvey Morning Show on Friday, Underwood addressed the conversation, saying, “I got calls from all over the world from people that I was wondering, ‘How did you find me? How do you know me?’ I was getting prayers, I was getting love.”

Underwood continued by saying she wanted to use that moment to “be a better example” for people to stay composed when it comes to addressing similar situations, according to PEOPLE.

“And I want people to know this, I believe that God was telling me, ‘I have a plan for you. I am about to pour down a blessing upon you. I just need to know, are you ready because you will face this again?” Underwood said. “I just wanted to be a better example for people that are working just a regular old job, that had to compose themselves.” 

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She said she kept her composure because she considers Osbourne a “friend.”

“I thought we were having a conversation like we normally do. But then I got a feeling that, wait a minute, this ain’t what it usually is,” she said. “I also got another feeling of, okay, Sheryl, this is time for you to step up into the leadership position … this is time for you to show what you’re made of, and in a personal way. No matter what somebody says about you, I can show you something better than I can tell you.”

PEOPLE also reported that CBS has begun an internal review of the incident.

“We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace,” the network said in a statement provided to PEOPLE on Friday night. “All matters related to the Wednesday episode of The Talk are currently under internal review.”

Many people online commended Underwood for her composure while criticizing Osbourne, who told Underwood to “educate” her on racism while scolding her to not cry. Elaine Welteroth voiced her frustration about Underwood being expected to educate Osbourne and accused Osbourne of gaslighting.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “It was the “Educate me!” for me. It is not a black woman’s job to educate ANYBODY about racism. The education one seeks is EVERYWHERE. Further telling someone they have no right to their tears while YOU’RE crying is just: *Viola grabbing her purse*”

Holly Robinson Peete responded with blank face emojis and later shared her experience with Osbourne when she was a co-host on The Talk. Peete said Osbourne referred to her as “too ghetto.”

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“I bring this up now because I was mortified watching the disrespectful condescending tone she took with her co-host who remained calm and respectful because…she HAD to,” Peete said.

Osbourne responded to Peete’s claims with a screenshot of an email she received from Peete after she was released from her contract.

“In response to Holly Robinson Peete’s accusation of me getting her fired from The Talk, I am sharing an email sent to me from Holly one month after she was let go by CBS. As I have stated before, I have never had the ability/authority to get anyone fired from The Talk.”

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