Sharon And Ozzy Osbourne's Marriage Was Rocked By Affair Drama
The following article includes discussion of depression and addiction.
In May 2016, rock musician Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne shocked everyone when they separated. The break up was revealed to be the result of Ozzy taking part in an extramarital affair for four years. He had been engaging in a relationship with hairstylist Michelle Pugh since 2012. This was big news, as Ozzy and Sharon were partners in every aspect of their lives together.
The couple met in 1970, as Sharon's father was the manager of Ozzy's music career. By 1979, Sharon was Ozzy's manager and the business relationship blossomed into a romantic one as well. They married in 1982 and welcomed three kids together in the following years. In 2002, the couple rose back to prominence thanks to the popular MTV reality show, "The Osbournes." The show provided an inside look at the famous couple's day-to-day with their children Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne, who lives an outrageously lavish life. This established Sharon and Ozzy as eccentric cultural figures who were not afraid to be candid about the ups and downs of their relationship. Ozzy and Sharon seemed unbreakable — until the news of Ozzy's infidelity almost ended their marriage for good.
Sharon revealed years later on the "Dumb Blonde Podcast" in February 2026 that she was familiar with infidelity that went on behind the scenes of the music industry but was heartbroken when she learned how long Ozzy's affair with Pugh had gone on. She described herself as "mentally crushed" after finding out the truth, ultimately needing professional help to navigate her feelings about being cheated on.
Sharon Osbourne was checked into a treatment center after learning about Ozzy's infidelity
Upon learning that Ozzy Osbourne had been unfaithful, Sharon Osbourne fell into a deep depression. She admitted to nearly overdosing on pills. "I had to go and get help, and I went into treatment," Sharon recalled during a 2023 interview with Dan Rather, per AXS TV. At the time, Sharon returned as a co-host on the CBS show "The Talk" following her stay in a treatment center. Two months later, Ozzy and Sharon reconciled. She admitted on the show that she forgave her husband, saying, "I just can't think of my life without him" (via People).
Ozzy released a Facebook statement in August 2016 admitting that he was suffering from sex addition. He thanked Sharon for staying by his side as he sought help, much like she had in previous years as Ozzy dealt with drug and alcohol addiction. In 2020, Ozzy expressed his remorse over his infidelity. "I regret cheating on my wife," he told British GQ. "I don't do it any more. I got my reality check and I'm lucky she didn't leave me." Sharon and Ozzy remained married until Ozzy passed away in 2025. Sharon Osbourne's outfit at Ozzy's funeral included a heartbreaking detail that showed how meaningful their longtime love was until the very end.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).