Howard Stern claims Sharon Osbourne was 'paid off' to keep 'X Factor' row quiet

Howard Stern has claimed that Sharon Osbourne was ‘paid off’ in order to leave The X Factor ‘and keep her mouth shut’.

Veteran judge Sharon was set to join the series for the live finals, sitting in for new judge Robbie Williams, whose touring schedule was set to clash with some of the live show dates.

But she ranted about Simon Cowell’s series last month, during an expletive-ridden appearance on Stern’s US radio show.

She called Cowell a ‘fat-faced motherf***er’, said that The X Factor was ‘f***ing karaoke’, called the contestants ‘little s***s’ and joked that she would ‘drown’ Cowell if she was on a sinking boat with him.

However, soon after, on announcing that she would not be appearing as a judge after all, her tone was considerably more measured.

In a statement, she said: “After watching the new season #XFactor unfold, I’ve seen the new judges finding their rhythm and are doing brilliantly.

“Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but at this point I really don’t think I’m needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year.

“I wish the show continued success and as much as I love to get my face on TV you will have to do without me this season.”

Of Osbourne’s change in tone, Stern told The Sun: “Maybe… if you get paid off or something – if you keep your mouth shut, you get money. Next time we see Sharon we have got to ask her about that.

“They ask for an opinion. And look, I was on America’s Got Talent for four years, so I know the score. If you do give a real opinion they edit it out.

“Sharon was just being honest. It is all horses***. That is why she is a good judge and that is why I love working with her.”

The makers of The X Factor confirmed her departure in a statement: “The ‘X Factor’ can confirm Sharon Osbourne has decided not to return to this year’s show. Sharon will always be a big part of the ‘X Factor’ family and we wish her all the best for the future.”

The show will continue without Osbourne, with Cowell, Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and Louis Tomlinson on the judging panel for the live shows.

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