Sharon Osbourne has responded to critics who accused her of turning her late husband’s legacy into a commercial venture following the announcement of an upcoming AI avatar based on him.
Addressing the backlash, Sharon made it clear that financial gain was not her motivation, insisting she had no interest in critics’ money and adding that Ozzy Osbourne would have fully supported the project. Details of the initiative have been circulating for some time, alongside growing speculation that the late singer and his wife will also be the subject of an upcoming biopic.
The Osbourne family has come under heavy criticism since announcing plans to create an AI avatar of the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Many critics have dismissed the project as a “cash grab,” prompting Sharon to speak out and defend the initiative against the growing backlash.
“The thing is, it’s like when there were propellers, and then there were jet planes. [People would question] ‘Why go on a jet when there’s a propeller? It’s a cash grab,” she said on “The Osbournes Podcast,” per NME.
“Well, you know what, technology moves on,” she continued. “And I’m sorry for those people. I’m not asking you to come. I don’t want your f-cking money. I don’t need your f-cking money. I’m doing very well.”
Sharon Says Ozzy’s Legacy Drives The AI Project
Ozzy died last year at the age of 76 following a heart attack complicated by other health factors, meaning he is no longer able to weigh in on the plans himself.
However, Sharon believes the legendary Black Sabbath frontman would have fully supported having his legacy preserved in this way.
“For somebody to turn around to me and say I’m doing a cash grab? No, you don’t know my husband, OK? I know my husband,” the former “The Talk” host said.
She added, “My husband would say to me over and over, ‘After I go, how long do you think I’ll be remembered?’”
Jack Osbourne Explains The Family’s Decision
Ozzy’s AI avatar will be created in collaboration with Hyperreal, a company known for producing ultra-realistic digital human performances.
While it remains unclear when the project will debut, Sharon hopes it will become something that can be passed down through the family and help future generations, including their grandchildren, keep the iconic singer’s memory alive.
Meanwhile, Sharon’s son, Jack Osbourne, has expressed a slightly different perspective. He believes the project needed to be undertaken by the family, arguing that if they did not move forward with the idea, someone outside the family likely would.
“Either we do it, or someone else is gonna do it,” he said on the podcast. “And for me, it’s not about pretending he’s still alive. It’s making sure he’s never forgotten.”
Ozzy Osbourne Biopic Eyes 2028 Release
A biopic centered on Ozzy is also in development, offering another way to preserve the rock icon’s legacy for future generations of fans.
While speculation about the project has circulated for years, Jack has generated fresh excitement in recent months by sharing new details about its progress.
According to Jack, a 2028 release is the tentative target, although that timeline could still change as much of the project remains in development. Earlier this year, he also hinted at the storyline, which will focus on a pivotal chapter of his father’s life and career.
“It would be kind of the tail end of Sabbath, him going solo. [Because] you gotta have the love story. And that’s kind of the main focus of the film, and all the craziness that happened in the early ’80s and Randy’s [Rhoads] tragic death. But, yeah, it’s an origin story,” he said.
Jack Teases ‘Phenomenal’ Ozzy Osbourne Actor
For now, the actor set to portray the heavy metal icon has not been publicly revealed. However, the role has already been cast, according to Jack, who suggested fans will be pleased with the choice.
“We have our decided pick, and I can’t say anything [yet], but it’s a phenomenal, phenomenal actor,” Jack revealed during a radio interview.
At the time, he also confirmed that the project already has a director attached, although he did not reveal the filmmaker’s identity.
The director is expected to have the full support of Sharon, who will serve as a producer alongside her children, Aimee and Jack.
