Sharon Osbourne 'quits' The Talk with $10 million payout and no NDA, 'will talk when she is ready'

“Sharon is walking away with a $5 to $10 million minimum payout and was able to spin that it was her decision [to leave the show],” the source said. Another source said that the departure agreement also ensured that Osbourne not only got paid big bucks, but also was free to speak out. “Sharon will talk when she is ready,” the source said. “She still wants to give her side of the story. She has been on that show for 11 years and knows all the secrets.”

CBS' 'soft statement' was part of negotiation

The outlet had previously reported that Osbourne’s lawyers negotiated a soft statement about her departure from the network that left the door open for her to continue her TV career at other networks. “Sharon Osbourne has decided to leave ‘The Talk,’” the release from CBS read. “The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts."

"We acknowledge the Network and Studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race. During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew. Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers," the statement continued. 

Will Osbourne sue CBS?

The 68-year-old left 'The Talk' over a heated on-air debate on March 10, with her fellow host Sheryl Underwood over Morgan's comments on Markle speaking out about her mental health issues during her time with the British royal family. The internal investigation was kicked off when host Elaine Welteroth and her hairstylist complained about an allegedly “racially insensitive and hostile environment” on the show following the said broadcast. 

After the heated on-air debate, Osbourne tweeted a lengthy apology in which she said she does not “condone racism, misogyny or bullying.” “I should have been more specific about that in my tweet,” she continued, referencing her original defense of Morgan online. “I will always support freedom of speech, but now I see how I unintentionally didn’t make that clear distinction.”

Recent reports suggested that Osbourne was lawyered up and all set to file a lawsuit against CBS as she planned to take the network "all the way" for damages over her departure from 'The Talk'. It is understood that the former 'X Factor' judge wants to be paid for the remaining two years on her contract, which is believed to be around $2.7M, as part of her claims for damages incurred. A friend of Osbourne told the outlet: "She feels a few suits at CBS have really done for her here. Sharon won't let this go."