Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy Osbourne Take Legal Action Against Kanye West for Unauthorized Song Sample
In a recent development, Sharon Osbourne, 71, has expressed her discontent with Kanye West, 46, for using a sample from Ozzy Osbourne’s song “War Pigs” without permission. Speaking to TMZ on Friday, February 9, Sharon stated, “Kanye f–ked with the wrong Jew this time,” revealing that she and Ozzy, 75, have issued a cease and desist order to West.
According to Sharon, West’s team had approached them three weeks ago seeking approval to use the song, but they emphatically denied the request. The Osbournes attributed their refusal to West’s past antisemitic remarks, citing that Ozzy typically grants permission but decided against it in this case.
Ozzy Osbourne himself released a statement condemning West’s actions, claiming that West asked for permission to sample a section of the 1983 live performance of “War Pigs” and was denied due to his antisemitic views. Despite the refusal, West proceeded to use the sample at his album listening party, prompting Ozzy to disassociate himself from the artist.
“@kanyewest ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF ‘WAR PIG’ FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY,” the rockstar wrote via X at the time. “HE WENT AHEAD AND USED THE SAMPLE ANYWAY AT HIS ALBUM LISTENING PARTY LAST NIGHT. I WANT NO ASSOCIATION WITH THIS MAN!”
West’s album release party for the joint album “Vultures” with Ty Dolla Sign took place in Chicago on Thursday, February 8. While the album was expected to drop on Friday, it has yet to be available on streaming services.
This incident comes in the wake of West facing backlash for his history of antisemitic comments. In October 2022, he tweeted offensive remarks about Jewish people, leading to a platform ban and sponsorship losses. West later apologized on Piers Morgan Uncensored but continued to make controversial statements, including expressing positive views about Hitler in an interview with Alex Jones.
In December 2023, West made further inflammatory comments about the Jewish community, asserting that “Zionists” control private schools and hospitals. This prompted another apology on social media, where he expressed regret for any unintended harm caused by his words and pledged to learn from the experience for greater sensitivity in the future.