Sharon Osbourne says she wants £800k Black Lives Matter donation refunded after Kanye West calls it a ‘scam’
Rapper recently wore ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt at Yeezy fashion show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sharon Osbourne is in agreement with Kanye West’s highly controversial opinion that Black Lives Matter is a “scam”.
After receiving strong criticism for donning a “White Lives Matter” shirt during his recent Yeezy fashion show, the “Flashing Lights” rapper defended his actions in an Instagram story, writing: “Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam. Now it’s over. You’re welcome.”
While several fellow celebrities, including Jaden Smith, Jodie Turner-Smith and Linda Evangelista, have condemned his beliefs, Osbourne appeared to stand in support of West’s claims.
“I don’t understand why white lives don’t matter?” Osbourne told a TMZ paparazzo in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. “Listen, it’s not my thing. It’s not my culture. I don’t understand it. Everybody matters, don’t they?”
However, when further asked to clarify if she “agrees” with West’s point, the British-American TV personality responded: “I don’t know what his point is.”
The interviewer went on to explain that the 45-year-old Grammy-winning artist had labelled BLM a “scam”.
To it, Osbourne laughed: “Oh, well, we gave $900,000 (£800,700), and I’d like my money back. Wish he could’ve said that before.”
The Independent has contacted Black Lives Matter for comment.
Asked if she believes West should be “cancelled”, Osbourne replied: “You can’t stop people from living their lives, doing what they do. Don’t go to his social media. Don’t listen to his music. Leave the guy alone, let him do what he does and if you don’t like him do that.
“Leave him alone.”