‘You know nothing about my history and sound like an ill-informed sycophantic’
Sharon hits back at Amanda’s ‘bitter and pathetic’ jibe
No disrespect to Simon, but he needed me there on X Factor for its musical credibility
TALK about Britain’s Got Talons… Sharon Osbourne has proved her talent for catty comebacks in a blistering retort to Amanda Holden.
Sharon, one of The X Factor’s original panel with Louis Walsh, was furious after Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda laid into the pair for “dissing” Simon Cowell while on Celebrity Big Brother.
Amanda, 53, said in an interview on Friday: “I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s like watching a pantomime’.
“Just be gracious. He’s the person who’s given them all the chances, given them a lot of money and a lifestyle they probably wouldn’t have had.”
But 71-year-old Sharon – whose combined wealth with rocker husband Ozzy is thought to exceed £340million – responded yesterday in a post online: “You know nothing about my history in the industry, my achievements, the artists I’ve worked with, the shows that I’ve produced, and my global celebrity.
“Unlike you, the brand of Sharon Osbourne is known worldwide.
“I don’t want to seem like I’m bragging, but my money and success were not due to doing a couple of Simon Cowell shows. You’re making yourself look like an ill-informed sycophantic.”
Sharon, a music manager and reality show star long before The X Factor first aired in 2004, added: “Yes, Simon paid me very well. Probably more than you’re receiving – but all of that, my darling, went on a few handbags.”
Tagging Amanda personally in her post, she said: “You must have forgotten my husband is a music icon who has sold 170 million albums, won multiple Grammy Awards and is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. We have been together 44 years and he’s spoiled me from the day we met. He’s given me more than any man could, before I ever knew who Simon Cowell was.”
She also cited her own work with the likes of ELO, Motorhead, Smashing Pumpkins and Ozzy’s band Black Sabbath, and the couple’s 2002 show The Osbournes.
Sharon’s goes on to say: “No disrespect to Simon Cowell, but he needed me for musical credibility on X Factor.”
Despite their fallout with ex-manager Louis, X Factor twins Jedward gave surprising support, posting: “Think Simon Cowell needs to fight his own battles.”
Amanda’s spokesman said: “She is aware of Sharon’s incredible career but, like her, will defend those close to her.”