Watch CBS News

Consulting Producer Wanda Sykes Announces She Is Leaving Show Even After Roseanne Apologizes

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

(CNN Money/KDKA) -- Comedian Wanda Skyes says she won't be working on the second season of ABC's "Roseanne," a decision she made public after the show's outspoken star went on a racist rant on Twitter Tuesday morning.

"I will not be returning to @RoseanneOnABC," Skyes wrote on Twitter.

Skyes had been a consulting producer on the most recent season of the revived ABC comedy starring Roseanne Barr.

In describing her work on "Roseanne" to the hosts on "The Talk" back in September, Sykes said , "That means I just have to work less. That's all."

Barr apologized after a bizarre, racist twitter rant Tuesday morning, and then announced she's "now leaving Twitter."

"I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans," Barr tweeted. "I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste."

The star of ABC's hit reboot of "Roseanne" wrote early Tuesday morning, "Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj." Barr was responding to a comment about Jarrett, a top former aide to president Obama. She later deleted the tweet.

CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski responded to Roseanne on Twitter about the Jarrett comment, which she replied was "a joke."

Social media immediately lit up with criticism of both Barr and ABC, with some demanding a response from the broadcast network. ABC has not replied to CNNMoney's request for comment.

Actress Sara Gilbert also responded to Roseanne's tweets.

"Roseanne's recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least," Gilbert said on Twitter.

In the past, ABC executives have privately said that they hold their noses when Barr tweets. They know some of her posts have been problematic -- full of pro-Trump conspiracy theories that mislead her fans.

The executives want Barr to focus on her show. But they seem to take the position that there's no controlling Barr, and that's what makes her the successful comic she is.

ABC employees shared these views on condition of anonymity earlier this year, before the current Twitter controversy.

Barr also made comments on Twitter about Chelsea Clinton, tweeting, "Chelsea Soros Clinton." She later replied in the comments that Clinton is "married to Soros nephew." Soros is a billionaire liberal benefactor who has been the subject to many right-wing conspiracy theories over the years.

Clinton responded to Barr shortly after.

"Good morning Roseanne - my given middle name is Victoria. I imagine George Soros's nephews are lovely people. I'm just not married to one," she wrote.

Barr responded back to Clinton saying, "Sorry to have tweeted incorrect info about you! Please forgive me!"

She then continued, "By the way, George Soros is a nazi who turned in his fellow Jews 2 be murdered in German concentration camps & stole their wealth-were you aware of that? But, we all make mistakes, right Chelsea?"

This conspiracy theory about Soros has been debunked many times. The fact-checking site Snopes called it "false" back in 2016.

Roseanne's rant is nothing new to those who follow the sitcom star on Twitter.

President Trump praised Roseanne's big ratings following the premiere. The reboot was one of the highest-rated new shows of the season. ABC is currently in production on season two of "Roseanne."

Skyes is the second major person to exit "Roseanne" behind-the-scenes in recent weeks.

Whitney Cummings previously announced she would not be retuning as co-showrunner for Season 11.

Now solo showrunner Bruce Helford attributed Cummings' departure to her schedule, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Roseanne" is expected to return in fall.

ABC has not commented on Barr's controversial Twitter statements.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.