Did Ozzy Osbourne Try to Kill His Wife, Sharon Osbourne, in 1989? Sharon Tells the Truth

In the wild world of rock and roll, few stories are as shocking as the 1989 incident involving Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon.

The Black Sabbath frontman, known for his outrageous behavior and heavy metal legacy, faced a dark moment that nearly ended in tragedy.

This event, tied to his struggles with addiction, left a mark on his personal life and career.

Let’s dive into what happened, how it affected the Osbourne family, and what we can learn from this troubling chapter.

Ozzy Osbourne 1989 Incident: A Night of Chaos

On September 3, 1989, Ozzy Osbourne, heavily intoxicated from drugs and alcohol, attempted to strangle his wife, Sharon, at their home in Amersham, England. According to Sharon, Ozzy was in a calm but terrifying state, saying, “We’ve come to a decision that you’ve got to die.”

Sharon managed to press a panic button, alerting the police, who arrested Ozzy. He later woke up in jail with no memory of the incident, a sign of how deeply his addiction had taken hold. Sharon chose not to press charges, and Ozzy entered rehabilitation to address his substance abuse. This moment was a low point in their marriage, but it also marked a turning point for Ozzy’s recovery.

The Role of Addiction

Ozzy’s life was filled with wild antics, from biting the head off a bat to snorting ants, but his addiction to alcohol and drugs often led to darker consequences. By the late 1980s, his substance abuse was out of control, straining his relationships and career.

The 1989 incident wasn’t an isolated event; Ozzy had been physically abusive toward Sharon before, and she described herself as a “beaten woman” in some accounts. However, Sharon’s decision to forgive him and support his recovery showed the strength of their bond.

She later said, “If it wasn’t for Sharon, I’d be long dead,” highlighting her role in helping him confront his demons.

A Legacy Beyond the Darkness

Despite this troubling event, Ozzy and Sharon’s story is one of resilience. After the 1989 incident, Ozzy worked toward sobriety, though he faced relapses over the years. Their marriage endured, and they became household names through The Osbournes, a reality TV show that aired from 2002 to 2005, showing a lighter, comedic side of their family life.

Ozzy’s final performance in July 2025, just weeks before his death at 76, was a testament to his enduring spirit. At the “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham, he performed seated due to Parkinson’s disease but still captivated fans with classics like “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train.” The incident with Sharon remains a stark reminder of how addiction can lead to devastating actions, but their journey also shows the power of forgiveness and change.

The 1989 incident is a complex part of Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy. While he was a pioneer of heavy metal and a beloved figure, his struggles with addiction led to moments of pain for those closest to him. Sharon’s strength and their shared commitment to recovery helped them rebuild.

As fans mourn Ozzy’s passing, this story serves as a reminder that even legends face human struggles, and redemption is possible through love and effort.

You might also want to read: Sharon Osbourne Opens Up About Planning Assisted Suicide With Ozzy