Sheryl Underwood then asked Sharon to explain her stance, questioning, “What would you say to people who may feel that while you’re standing by your friend, it appears that you gave validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist, even if you don’t agree?”
As the conversation continued, Sharon asked for clarification. “You tell me where you have heard him say—educate me, tell me—when you have heard him say racist things,” she said. “Educate me! Tell me!”
Sheryl then explained. “It is not the exact words of racism, it’s the implications and the reaction to it—to not want to address that she is a Black woman and to try to dismiss it or to make it seem less than what it is, that’s what makes it racist,” she said. “But right now, I’m talking to a woman who I believe is my friend. And I don’t want anybody here to watch this and say we’re attacking you for being racist.”
Sharon replied, “I think it’s too late. I think that seed’s already sewn.”
