Sharon Osbourne Praises ‘Genuine’ Meghan Markle for Addressing Racism in Her Graduation Speech

Giving praise. Sharon Osbourne thought Meghan Markle did “really well” when she spoke out about racism and George Floyd’s death in her graduation speech to her former high school’s class of 2020.

“It was from the heart. It wasn’t over the top. I really believe she was very, very genuine,” Osbourne, 67, explained in a preview clip for the Tuesday, June 9, episode of The Talk. “I was just happy for her, because the thing is in these times, when you do speak out, you get attacked. And, if you don’t speak out, you get attacked and whatever you say doesn’t please everyone.”

She continued, “So, I think because people had made comments that there was nothing coming from her on what is going on right now. I think that she knew she was doing this and so she was saving it to put it all on this speech.”

Osbourne’s cohost Eve agreed. The rapper, who recently came under fire for saying she’s had “difficult conversations” about race with her husband, Maximillion Cooper, understood where Meghan was coming from. “I think she did a great job as well, incredible. This is just a moment you cannot stay silent,” she said. “You can’t be scared of having any backlash.”

On June 4, Markle, 38, addressed the graduating class of Immaculate Heart High School nearly two weeks after Floyd died on May 25. The former security guard passed away during an arrest in Minneapolis when officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Viral video footage of his death shocked many people around the world and sparked protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

“I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing. And I was really nervous that I wouldn’t, or that it would get picked apart, and I realized the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing,” the former Duchess of Sussex said in her video message. “Because George Floyd’s life mattered. And Breonna Taylor’s life mattered. And Philando Castile’s life mattered. And Tamir Rice’s life mattered. And so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we don’t know.”

Before she signed off, Markle gave the students a little bit of helpful advice. She said to “always remember to put others’ needs above your own fears,” because that’s how you create change in the world.

For more information, visit Blacklivesmatter.com.