Kelly Osbourne has issued a sharp defense of her late father, Ozzy Osbourne, following critical remarks from Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider regarding the rock legend’s career and songwriting history. The conflict began earlier this week when the 71-year-old Snider engaged with fans on X, asserting that the Black Sabbath icon relied heavily on others for his lyrical output.
During the exchange, Snider claimed that Ozzy Osbourne consistently utilized bass players to pen his lyrics, specifically alleging that Geezer Butler was responsible for all of Black Sabbath’s lyrical content. He further suggested that other collaborators, including Bob Daisley and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, were instrumental in writing for Ozzy’s solo albums, noting that Daisley was likely paid for his work without receiving proper credit. Snider added, “I know too much about the truth behind the scenes,” and made a pointed comment regarding Sharon Osbourne, stating, “Let’s just say that Sharon doesn’t like to share.”
Responding via Instagram Stories on Friday, August 14, Kelly Osbourne condemned the comments as “spectacularly classless.” She criticized Snider for targeting her father, who passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76, noting that he is no longer present to address such allegations. Ozzy Osbourne died of a heart attack just weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham, England.
In her rebuttal, Kelly Osbourne emphasized that her father’s nearly six-decade career, spanning his time with Black Sabbath and his solo work, remains a testament to his status as a heavy metal icon. “My father’s legacy as a musician, songwriter, singer and bandleader speaks for itself,” she stated, adding that his contributions are well-recognized by his peers, friends, and millions of fans globally.
The TV personality also challenged Snider’s own musical standing, remarking, “Your last hit… not to age myself was the year I was born 40 years ago.” She argued that any comparison between their respective careers would be “devastating” for Snider, asserting that her father’s influence will endure indefinitely.
Following the backlash, Snider attempted to clarify his position on X, insisting that his comments were not intended as a personal attack. “To be clear, I HAVE NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR OZZY. He was always lovely to me,” Snider wrote, acknowledging that Black Sabbath had a profound impact on his life. He explained that his remarks stemmed from his own sensitivity regarding songwriting credits and royalties.
Despite Snider’s attempt to walk back the criticism, the exchange highlights the ongoing discourse surrounding the collaborative nature of rock music history. Kelly Osbourne remains steadfast in protecting the reputation of her father, whose final concert in his hometown served as a significant conclusion to his storied career in the music industry.
14, Osbourne fired back at Snider, defending her father’s decadeslong career and accusing the musician of trying to diminish his legacy more than a year after his death.
Osbourne then continued her response by going directly after Snider and comparing the two rockers’ careers.
“His friends, those who worked with him, those who love him, and millions of fans around the world that still continue to buy his records know exactly what he meant, what he contributed and what he leaves behind.”
