Sharon Osbourne claims she's not trying to cash in on her late husband

Sharon Osbourne has responded to critics who are calling Ozzy Osbourne's upcoming AI avatar a "money grab", telling them she "doesn't need their f*cking money".

The news of the "Prince of Darkness" AI avatar was confirmed last month by his widow and former manager Sharon, as well as their son Jack, during a discussion about the future of Ozzy's brand at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. Both confirmed that the family had hired technology company Hyperreal to create a digital version of the heavy metal pioneer, who died last summer at the age of 76. However, the move quickly divided fans, with some calling it distasteful.

Amid skepticism, Jack spoke about the plans on his YouTube channel, saying they wanted the project to be “tasteful and dignified,” and that they were determined not to come off as “sloppy.” He also dismissed rumors that it was about “linking his father’s image to ChatGPT,” explaining that he had discussed it with Ozzy before his death and was continuing the project because he believed it was something his father would have liked.

Now Sharon has defended the decision to create an AI avatar of her late husband, rejecting claims that she and her family were just trying to make money off the legendary rock musician.

Describing it as a technological advancement, Sharon responded to critics on The Osbournes Podcast.

"The thing is, this is like when there were propeller planes and then jets came along. People would say, 'Why go in a jet when there's a propeller? It's just a way to make money,'" she says.

"Well, you know what, technology is moving forward. And I feel 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 live quite well," she said, adding that her late husband would have supported the project.

"For someone to tell me I'm trying to make money? No, you didn't know my husband, okay? I knew my husband. My husband kept saying to me, 'When I'm gone, how long do you think people will remember me?'" Sharon Osbourne points out.

She also said that she saw this project as something that would stay in the family and help their grandchildren preserve the memory of Ozzie, while Jack pointed out that it was only a matter of time before someone else tried the same.

"Either we do it or someone else does it. For me, it's not about pretending he's still alive. It's about never forgetting him," he concluded.

In addition to the AI ​​avatar that is supposed to preserve the legacy of the Black Sabbath frontman, Jack also confirmed that a biopic about his parents is "absolutely" being made, and is planned to be released in 2028.