Sharon Osbourne Reacts to ‘Drunk’ Accusations on Award Night

Sharon Osbourne has denied she was drunk during an appearance at an awards show. The show took place in her native country, and when the reality show The Osbournes won an award, the family’s matriarch reacted excitedly, prompting journalists to claim she was drunk the following day. A furious Osbourne said this is not how she acts when she’s drunk, and she was just over the moon with joy. 

It is not the first time, however, that Sharon Osbourne has had to contend with rumors surrounding heavy drinking. The press also claimed she was drunk on occasion while she worked as a judge on the British talent show, The X Factor. During one episode, Osbourne reportedly placed her hands on the chest of fellow presenter Nicole Scherzinger, ostensibly to prevent a wardrobe malfunction. 

Responding to subsequent press reports, the music legend asked, “Why is it while you’re there and you’re having fun and you’re being silly, do you have to be drunk?” 

Drinking was also suspected when Osbourne forgot the names of contestants on the popular X Factor. She always denied intoxication, however, saying she had seen too many people destroyed by alcohol and had no intention of traveling down the same road. Ms. Osbourne explained why she forgot some contestants’ names or nationalities, saying she was “just a bit dotty.”

The music mogul is married to former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has long been transparent about his battles with alcohol and drug addiction. Mr. Osbourne’s troubles with intoxication began in the 1970s, and he admits to several stays in rehab facilities. 

Additionally, the couple’s son, Jack, has faced similar demons and struggled intensely with alcohol addiction. 

During a family interview in 2021, Ozzy Osbourne described his journey into addiction and said that drinking is simply part of the culture in his home nation. “In England, the thing is the pubs,” he said, referring to the famous drinking establishments found in every small corner of the UK. He recounted that the last words his father said to him were, “Do something about your drinking,” and his response was to have a drink.