Sharon Osbourne has said she is "truly sorry" following backlash to comments she made in a row about Piers Morgan.
The TV star broke down in tears as she defended the former Good Morning Britain host on US chat show The Talk after his abrupt exit was announced.
Sharon, 68, spoke of her reasons for standing by Piers after he dramatically quit the ITV news programme following uproar over comments he made about Meghan Markle.
She said she "very much feels like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who many people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist? What does it gotta do with me?"
But has now tweeted that after "some reflection", she is "truly sorry".
"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," Sharon said.
"To anyone of colour that I offended and/or to anyone that feels confused or let down by what I said, I am truly sorry.
"I panicked, felt 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."
It came after she tweeted her support for Piers saying: "I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth."
Piers was quick to thank Sharon for her support on The Talk.
He tweeted: "When stuff like this happens, true friends run towards you, fake friends run away. I love Sharon Osbourne because she always stays true to herself.
"She knew she would get abused by the woke brigade for tweeting this - but did it anyway because it what she believes (sic)."
