Sharon OsbourneclaimsSimon Cowellfired her onThe X Factor U.K.for being “old.”
On Thursday’s episode ofThe Talk, Osbourne, 66, told her co-hostsCarrie Ann Inaba,Sheryl Underwood,EveandSara Gilbertthat she previously turned down the role on theMasked Singerbecause she was already contracted to do another show — or so she thought.
“I’ve turned down to do the judge on theMasked Singer,” Osbourne explained. “I was signed on to do another show at the time. I was signed to go to England, and then Simon Cowell changed his mind and thought I was too old,” Osbourne claimed.
“Simon goes, ‘She’s old. We need somebody young.'” Osbourne did not say how she had learned of the alleged remark.
Still upset over the alleged incident, Osbourne said, “So if you want young, fire yourself and get rid of those man t—.”
“Call me tomorrow, we’ll discuss it,” Osbourne added, directing her comment to Cowell, 59.
A rep for Cowell, who createdThe X Factor, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images; Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
The news of Osbourne’s alleged firing comes nearly six months aftershe said it was her decision to leavethe British version of the reality competition series.
The longtime judge, who first joinedThe X Factor U.K.in 2004, confirmed her departure in a statement on Facebook, saying she “decided to pass on the series this year.”
“After watching the new season #XFactor unfold, I’ve seen the new judges finding their rhythm and are doing brilliantly,” began Osbourne. “Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but at this point, I really don’t think I’m needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year.”
The series also confirmed her exit in a statement toDeadline. “The X Factorcan confirm Sharon Osbourne has decided not to return to this year’s show,” a spokesperson for the show said. “Sharon will always be a big part ofThe X Factorfamily and we wish her all the best for the future.”
“I’ve been doing that on-and-off for 15 years,” she told Stern, 65, aboutX Factor.
After Stern said “I heard … you don’t have to be there when those kids audition, all you do is come in for the live shows,” Osbourne went on to criticize the underage contestants who try out for the show.
Sharon Osbourne.Andrew Eccles/CBS via Getty Images
“Oh f—, I don’t have to have those kids singing in my face,” she said.
“They all suck,” she continued. “It’s like, is this f—ing karaoke or what?”
Stern chimed in, “And why can’t you say that? They don’t let you.”
The Talkco-host was quick to point out that her contract is ending — and she isn’t holding back on her opinions about contestants.
“Well, the thing is, it’s the end of my contract. Now it’s like no holds barred. It’s like, get the f— off the stage. You’re s—. Get the f— out,” she told Stern.
source: people.com
