Major Controversies Surrounding Sharon Osbourne: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Sharon Osbourne.

Sharon Osbourne is a British-American television personality, businesswoman, and author. She gained fame through the MTV reality show *The Osbournes*, which chronicled her family's life. Following the success of the show, Osbourne became a judge on several prominent television talent competitions, including *The X Factor* and *America's Got Talent*. Her career spans various aspects of the entertainment industry, solidifying her status as a recognizable figure in popular culture.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

August 1989: Ozzy Osbourne's Arrest for Attempted Murder

In August 1989, Ozzy Osbourne was arrested for attempted murder after trying to strangle Sharon Osbourne in a haze of alcohol and drugs, following his return from the Moscow Music Peace Festival. Ozzy then spent six months in rehabilitation, and Sharon did not press charges.

January 2003: Hosting the American Music Awards

In January 2003, Sharon Osbourne and her family hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards, which was marked by controversial remarks and a presenter walking out.

August 2005: Ozzfest performance controversy

On August 20, 2005, at Iron Maiden's last Ozzfest performance, negative events took place, allegedly the fault of Sharon Osbourne, reportedly in retaliation to comments made by Bruce Dickinson.

October 2007: Walkout on The X Factor

In October 2007, during the first live show of "The X Factor", Sharon Osbourne walked out on the panel but later confirmed her return on "The Paul O'Grady Show".

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February 2008: Co-hosting the BRIT Awards

On February 20, 2008, Sharon Osbourne co-hosted the 28th edition of the BRIT Awards with her husband and daughter, causing controversy with remarks made during the show.

December 2008: Filming Osbournes: Reloaded and Altercation with Megan Hauserman

In December 2008, filming began for the variety show "Osbournes: Reloaded" at CBS Studios in Hollywood. Also, on December 13, 2008, Sharon Osbourne had a physical altercation with Megan Hauserman during a reunion special, leading to a police report and lawsuit.

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July 2011: Criticism for comments on The Talk

In July 2011, Sharon Osbourne and fellow "The Talk" panellists were criticised for their conduct when discussing the story of Catherine Kieu, leading to an apology from Osbourne.

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2011: Settlement with Megan Hauserman

In 2011, Sharon Osbourne reached a settlement with Megan Hauserman regarding the altercation that occurred in 2008.

2018: Comments on Meghan Markle's Race Resurface

In 2018, Sharon Osbourne made comments on The Talk about Meghan Markle's race, stating she "ain't Black" and "doesn't look Black". These comments resurfaced in March 2021, contributing to the controversy surrounding Osbourne.

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March 2021: Defense of Piers Morgan and Heated Exchange on The Talk

In March 2021, Sharon Osbourne defended Piers Morgan's comments about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on The Talk, leading to a heated argument with Sheryl Underwood. Osbourne's behavior was criticized, and the show went on hiatus for a CBS review, ultimately leading to Osbourne's departure.

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April 2025: Criticism of Kneecap's Coachella Performance

In April 2025, Sharon Osbourne criticized Goldenvoice for booking the Irish rap group Kneecap at Coachella, due to their "Free Palestine" chants and condemnation of the Gaza war. Osbourne called for the revocation of the band members' work visas.