Sharon Osbourne has finally had enough of being a judge on America's Got Talent, announcing she will break her contract with NBC and quit the high-rating show after seven years (and about as many facelifts).
"All [NBC] can do is stop me from being a judge on another network for five years," the 59-year-old told the New York Post.
"They can't make me do something I don't want to do."
But it's a lot more complicated than just the seven-year-itch. Sharon claims NBC unfairly "fired" her son Jack Osbourne from an upcoming celebrity boot camp show after he went public about his multiple sclerosis diagnosis in June.
"I just can't be fake. It's discrimination, and it was badly handled. It's time to move on," Sharon told the NY Post.
Jack was apparently "in talks" to appear on Stars Earn Stripes alongside former TV Superman Dean Cain and Jessica Simpson's ex Nick Lachey, but two days before filming was due to begin, he was given the boot.
"He didn't want the money. He wanted his gig. It gave him something to look forward to when he was diagnosed," Sharon said.
"Think of the good that it could have done to show other people who have this [condition] that your life is not over."
NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt issued a statement today in response to Sharon's controversial announcement.
"First, we have the deepest affection for Sharon Osbourne and consider her to be part of the NBC family. And our hearts go out to her, Ozzy, Jack and his family at this time," the statement read.
"We hold medical information in strict confidence and therefor cannot comment specifically about Jack, but as a company that cares deeply about the health and safety of everyone on our shows — especially one like Stars Earn Stripes that requires dangerous water stunts, strenuous physical activity, and uses live ammunition — we required all potential participants to undergo medical vetting to ensure that they could safely participate."
Although we did not ask Jack to participate in the competition, we were able to offer him two substantial alternative roles on the show, both of which he declined. This network does not discriminate on any basis."
Sharon first hinted at her AGT departure last month tweeting to fellow judge Howard Stern, "My darling @HowardStern, money is not the reason I'm not returning to @nbcagt, it's because ..."
It has been an emotional few months for Sharon, who broke down on her CBS talk show The Talk after Jack's diagnosis — watch below.
Related video: Sharon's "leaking implants" confession on The Talk
Related slideshow: When reality TV goes too far
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