Ozzy Osbourne's furious row with Donald Trump and Sharon's savage jibes
The late Ozzy Osbourne once said that he didn't particularly like to talk about politics. He made a statement during President Donald Trump 's first campaign six years ago though, with his comments having now resurfaced this week.
It comes after it was announced last night that former Black Sabbath member Ozzy died, aged 76, yesterday morning. His family, including his wife Sharon Osbourne, 72, shared the news in a joint statement about the singer-songwriter, which prompted tributes to him last night.
The news has prompted the resurfacing of previous comments from Ozzy, including from the presidential campaign in 2019. The Osbournes shared their thoughts on his music being featured in promotional videos after one instance.
In June that year, Trump, now 79, shared a video on X, then known as Twitter, in which he poked fun at an MSNBC debate involving the Democratic Party that had faced technical issues. The clip showcasing a moment that featured an issue, before ending with Trump emerging onto a stage.
He had used audio from Ozzy's song Crazy Train, which was released as his debut solo single in 1980, in the video. At the time, Ozzy and former manager Sharon took issue with the song being used for a political campaign.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the Osbournes said: "Based on this morning's unauthorized use of Ozzy Osbourne's 'Crazy Train,' we are sending notice to the Trump campaign (or any other campaigns) that they are forbidden from using any of Ozzy Osbourne's music in political ads or in any political campaigns. Ozzy's music cannot be used for any means without approvals."
The couple went on to propose alternatives. They said: "In the meantime, we have a suggestion for Mr. Trump: perhaps he should reach out to some of his musician friends. Maybe Kayne West ('Gold Digger'), Kid Rock ('I Am the Bullgod') or Ted Nugent ('Stranglehold') will allow use of their music."
Sharon notably appeared on the ninth season of NBC 's the Apprentice, which was fronted by Trump. She made it to the penultimate episode of the series before being fired by him, with Poison's Bret Michaels going on to win.
She has spoken about Trump on occasion since then, including whilst on Celebrity Big Brother last year, with her once recalling that he was "very nice" to her. She however described him as "uneducated" after he walked in front of the late Queen during a visit to the UK back in 2018.
The statement made by Ozzy and Sharon about his music being used in political campaigns has resurfaced this week following the news of the musician's death. It was announced by his wife Sharon and four of his children, Louis Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne, last night.
They said in a joint statement: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."
Ozzy's bandmates from Black Sabbath have been among those paying tribute to him since. Co-founder Tony Iommi, 77, wrote on Instagram last night: "I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park."
He added: It's just such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words, there won't ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz."
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