Ozzy's "Freak Show" Pays Big
Serge Thomann/WireImage.com
Being called a freak may not be such a bad thing after all.
Ozzy Osbourne has accepted undisclosed damages and an apology from Britain's Daily Star over a story alleging he collapsed twice before hosting February's Brit Awards, creating behind-the-scenes chaos for the major U.K. music ceremony.
In the article titled "Ozzy's Freak Show," the tabloid also claimed the 59-year-old rocker was in such a poor state that he had to be transported around the show on an electric buggy and that event organizers held last-minute discussions to determine whether he should be allowed to carry on his emcee duties.
Osbourne and his family—including wife Sharon, son Jack and daughter Kelly—served as the hosts of the live ceremony. They were not present in court for the decision.
"The claimant is a highly successful touring artist who has just completed a sell-out world tour," John Kelly, Osbourne's attorney, told the London High Court today. "The publication of false allegations that the claimant was in such a poor state of health that he was incapable of hosting an awards ceremony...are extremely serious."
Kelly further added that the paper never came to the rocker with the allegations before going to print, thereby denying him the opportunity to refute.
A lawyer for the Daily Star, Kate Wilson, told the court the tabloid now accepted the allegations were untrue and should not have been published, and apologized for the "considerable embarrassment and distress" caused to the family.
The undisclosed, though likely substantial, damages will be donated to the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.
The Big Picture
All Growed Up Guess Zac has officially adopted the smoldering look, 'cause we haven't seen a smile in weeks
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (916)
- Rob and Kristen "Relaxed" Together in NYC (673)
- Costars and Suits Give Robsten Their Blessings! (650)
- Rob Flies Back to L.A. With Kristen (529)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Why Won't Sarah Palin Go Away? (448)
- Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment—or His? (437)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (425)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (363)
- Bitch-Back! Is There Drama on the Gossip Girl Set? (345)
Top 10 Stories
- Dancing With the Stars: A New Winner Raises the Disco Ball
- J.Lo's Ex: There's "Maybe One Spanking," but I'm Not Selling a Sex Tape
- Nicole Richie Back in Her Own Bed
- GMA Doesn't Want Adam Lambert's Sloppy Seconds...Cue The Early Show!
- Goodbye or Good Riddance to Jon & Kate Plus 8?
- Oprah's Mom Settles Clothes Call Lawsuit
- Rihanna Sings Threesome, Avoids Going Naked on GMA
- Michael Lohan Runs Out of Family Members to Alienate, Starts Leaking Jon Gosselin Tapes
- It's a Sexy Job, but Adam Lambert's Gotta Do It!
- Donny Discovers Parts He Never Had Before for Dancing With the Stars Finale
Fashion Police
Sloppy SuitingGwyneth dares to experiment with hard-to-wear satin, but the result is dull and unpolished
More Photos
Latest Movie Reviews
Get Your E! News Now
8 Comments
-
Show the next 1 - 0 of 8 comments
Now loading...