Sharon Osbourne has hit back at Amanda Holden, after she branded her “bitter and pathetic”.
During an interview with the Daily Mail, the Britain’s Got Talent judge took a swipe at Sharon and Louis Walsh over their comments about Simon Cowell on Celebrity Big Brother.
Amanda said: “I hated seeing certain people in a reality show dissing Simon – 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.”
“It’s bitter and pathetic. It was like Cinderella with her two sisters in the background – just stabby, stabby, stabby.”
Sharon has since responded to Amanda’s remarks in a lengthy statement shared on X, in which she branded her an “ill informed sycophantic”.
The 71-year-old wrote: “Amanda, I am responding to your interview with the Daily Mail on April 12th, I respect the fact that you feel the need to defend your good friend and employer, Simon Cowell, who is also your husband’s employer, or so I’ve read.
“However, a couple of your statements regarding myself are factually incorrect.”
In response @AmandaHolden pic.twitter.com/EnUeJWHWOz
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) April 13, 2024
“The statement ‘I hated seeing certain people in a reality show dissing Simon – he’s the person who’s given them all the chances, given them a lot of money and lifestyle they probably wouldn’t have had.’
“The truth is, you don’t know me, Amanda or any of my close friends. You know nothing about my family history in the music industry, my achievements, the artists I have worked with, the shows that I’ve produced and my global celebrity.
“Unlike you, the brand of Sharon Osbourne is known worldwide. There are many countries that I could work in if I choose to, however, I don’t have the ambition or time to do so.
“Our worlds are totally different. I have been blessed with an amazing lifestyle throughout my entire life. Before you were born, I was living in a mansion in Beverly Hills and continue to do so today and continue to have my country estate in England as well.”
“But there is something you should know. I never discuss money, lifestyle or positions of power. I find it to be classless and crude,” she continued.
“However you’ve now forced my hand to divulge these things to you and I honestly don’t want to seem like I’m bragging, but the truth is my money and success were not due to doing a couple of Simon Cowell talent shows.
“Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed doing them at the time as they were great fun. Yes, Simon paid me very well. Probably more than what you’re receiving today, but all of that my darling went on a few handbags.’
Listing her career accolades, Sharon wrote: “At the time that I worked on X Factor, I was the only judge who had global accomplishments with multiple million-selling artists, Grammy Award winner and arena and stadium headliners.”
“I was also a very successful festival producer with Ozfest which ran for 24 years, as well as a best-selling author and producer of the hit show ‘The Osbournes’ for which I received an Emmy Award.
“Amanda, I think you’re missing the point here, no disrespect to Simon Cowell, but he NEEDED ME for musical credibility on X Factor and I delivered for him and together all of us made a great team.
“It was only after several seasons of X Factor that Simon started to build his music empire and I give him much kudos for what he built. When I met my husband I was already very well established in the music industry.
“Having worked with bands like Electric Light Orchestra, Motorhead, Smashing Pumpkins, Gary Moore, The Move , Roy Woods, Wizzard, Linsey de Paul, Breitt Ekland and Black Sabbath to name a few.
“I think you must have forgotten my husband is a music icon who has sold 170million albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
“We have been together for 44 years and he has spoiled me from the first day we met, he has given me more than any man could, all of this before I ever knew who Simon Cowell was.”
Sharon concluded: “In closing I must say whenever I have seen you on TV I always thought you were very beautiful and talented. However, never make comments about my lifestyle given to me by Simon Cowell.
“It’s demeaning to me and my husband and all the achievements I have made in my life as you’re making yourself look like an ill informed sycophantic. Sincerely, Sharon Osbourne.”
During her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, Sharon didn’t hold back as she discussed her grievances with Simon Cowell.
The 71-year-old said she was “furious” with her former boss, and claimed he didn’t renew her contract when she expected he would, which meant she lost out on another TV gig.
Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh, who was previously close friends with Cowell, also revealed that they no longer speak.
Speaking about their comments, Amanda told the Daily Mail: “I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s like watching a pantomime.’ I just think they look so nasty and awful.
“There was a friendship there and an opportunity. So however the business ends, you should have respect for the opportunity that was given to you and the pay cheque that was given to you.
“Just be gracious. There was none of that and I can’t bear it,” she added.
