Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne‘s wife and manager, has criticized Kanye West, labeling him an “antisemite” following his unauthorized use of Ozzy Osbourne‘s song at an album release event.
West, formerly restricted from using BLACK SABBATH‘s “Iron Man,” received a cease and desist letter. Ozzy initially disclosed the infringement on social media, citing West‘s antisemitic behavior and its detrimental impact.
At the United Center, West, now known as Ye, along with Ty Dolla $ign, hosted the listening party ahead of the release of the Vultures LP. During the event, they played a track that incorporated a sample from Ozzy‘s live rendition of “Iron Man” from singer’s solo performance at the US Festival in 1983.
Sharon, with a Jewish heritage through her father Don Arden, informed TMZ of their letter to West.
“KANYE f***ed with the wrong Jew this time,” she said.
Sharon mentioned that Ozzy rarely declines individuals who wish to do this… However, on this occasion, he had a “special f***ing occasion to say no.”
Sharon Osbourne previously discussed with Billboard magazine the decision to deny Kanye West permission to sample an Ozzy Osbourne song.
Sharon said: “We get so many requests for these songs, and when we saw that request, we just said no way.
“The simple thing is, we don’t want to be associated with a hater. To spread hate the way he does, it shouldn’t be allowed. All the excuses — he’s bipolar or whatever — doesn’t change that. It’s like, f**k you, basically.”
Sharon further explained that due to the attribution of “Iron Man” to the entire original BLACK SABBATH ensemble — including Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward — the consent of all four songwriters would be necessary before West could utilize the sample.
Interestingly, Ozzy and Sharon coincidentally dressed as Kanye West and Bianca Censori for Halloween, but according to Sharon, it was simply a “joke.”
