In the world of celebrity culture, loyalty and gratitude are often celebrated as virtues, but when they appear to be absent, the public is quick to judge. Sharon Osbourne, a television personality and music industry icon, has long been known for her outspoken nature and fierce loyalty to those she supports. Over the years, she has made headlines for defending Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, during some of the most tumultuous moments of her public life. However, following the recent passing of Sharon’s husband, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, Meghan’s silence and absence from the mourning process have ignited a firestorm of criticism. Fans and commentators are now branding Meghan as ungrateful and callous, raising questions about her character and the true nature of her relationship with those who once stood by her.

Sharon Osbourne’s History of Defending Meghan Markle

Sharon Osbourne’s connection to Meghan Markle may seem unlikely at first glance, but the two have shared a complex history through the lens of media scrutiny. When Meghan faced intense backlash from the British press and public following her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, Sharon was one of the few high-profile figures to publicly express empathy. On The Talk, Sharon acknowledged the harsh treatment Meghan endured, stating, “I think that the British press did treat her very harshly when she came. I can remember one headline, which was very, very ugly.” She went on to emphasize that no one truly knows what happens within a family, urging the public to consider the human side of Meghan’s struggles.

Sharon’s defense was not limited to this single instance. In 2018, when discussions about Meghan’s racial identity surfaced, Sharon found herself embroiled in controversy for comments made on The Talk. She argued that Meghan, being biracial, was considered “mixed race” in Europe and didn’t “look Black,” a statement that drew significant criticism. Despite the backlash, Sharon clarified her remarks, emphasizing that her intent was not to diminish Meghan’s identity but to highlight cultural differences in how race is perceived. Her willingness to engage in these discussions, even at the cost of her own reputation, demonstrated her commitment to speaking out on Meghan’s behalf during a time when the Duchess faced relentless criticism.

These moments of support were particularly notable because Sharon risked her own public image to defend Meghan. As a polarizing figure herself, Sharon was no stranger to controversy, but her decision to stand up for Meghan during a period when many turned their backs showcased her loyalty. Fans of Sharon admired her for this, seeing her as someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge the narrative, even if it meant facing accusations of insensitivity or worse.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Passing and Meghan’s Silence

The death of Ozzy Osbourne in 2025 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. As the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a beloved figure in rock music, his passing was mourned by millions. Sharon, who had been married to Ozzy for over four decades, was at the center of this loss, sharing heartfelt tributes and navigating her grief in the public eye. Fans, celebrities, and industry peers flooded social media with condolences, celebrating Ozzy’s legacy and offering support to Sharon during this devastating time.

Yet, amidst the outpouring of love and sympathy, one voice was conspicuously absent: Meghan Markle’s. Despite Sharon’s previous public support for her, Meghan did not issue a public statement of condolence, nor did she attend Ozzy’s memorial service. This absence did not go unnoticed. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with criticism, with users calling Meghan “ungrateful” and “heartless” for failing to acknowledge the loss of someone whose wife had once defended her. Posts on X described Meghan’s silence as a betrayal, with one user stating, “Sharon Osbourne stuck her neck out for Meghan when no one else would, and now she can’t even send a simple condolence? That’s cold.”

Public Backlash and Accusations of Ingratitude

The public’s reaction to Meghan’s silence has been swift and unforgiving. Fans of Sharon Osbourne, in particular, have taken to social media to express their disappointment, accusing Meghan of being ungrateful and lacking empathy. The narrative that has emerged paints Meghan as someone who only engages with those who serve her immediate interests, a criticism that has dogged her since her departure from the royal family. Commentators have pointed to Sharon’s willingness to defend Meghan during her darkest moments, arguing that the least Meghan could do was offer a gesture of support during Sharon’s time of grief.

The backlash has also reignited debates about Meghan’s character. Critics have long accused her of being opportunistic, with some claiming she only associates with individuals of significant wealth or influence. Sharon herself hinted at this perception in a 2022 interview with Newsweek, stating, “I think that you have to be over a certain bank balance for her to talk to you.” While Sharon’s comment was made in a different context, it has resurfaced in light of her silence, fueling speculation that Meghan’s lack of response stems from a lack of personal connection or mutual benefit.

The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about loyalty and reciprocity in the celebrity world. Many argue that Sharon’s defense of Meghan, even if controversial, deserved some form of acknowledgment, especially during such a significant personal loss. The absence of any gesture from Meghan has led some to question whether she truly values the relationships she has built or if her actions are driven solely by self-interest.

Meghan’s Perspective and Possible Explanations

While the public has been quick to condemn Meghan, it’s worth considering why she might have chosen to remain silent. Meghan and Prince Harry have largely stepped back from public life in recent years, focusing on their family and select charitable endeavors. It’s possible that Meghan was unaware of Sharon’s past support or did not feel a personal connection strong enough to warrant a public statement. Additionally, Meghan may have chosen to grieve privately, avoiding the spotlight to prevent further media scrutiny.

Another factor could be the complex history between Meghan and Sharon. While Sharon defended Meghan on several occasions, her comments about Meghan’s racial identity in 2018 were met with criticism and may have strained any potential goodwill. Meghan, who has been vocal about her experiences with racism and the challenges of being a biracial woman in the public eye, may have felt that Sharon’s remarks were dismissive or harmful, even if unintended. This could explain her decision to maintain distance during Sharon’s time of mourning.

Furthermore, Meghan’s absence from Ozzy’s memorial could be attributed to logistical or personal reasons. Living in California, Meghan and Harry may have been unable to attend due to prior commitments or a desire to avoid the media frenzy that often accompanies their public appearances. However, these explanations have done little to quell the public’s anger, as many view her silence as a deliberate snub rather than a circumstantial oversight.

The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Culture and Public Expectations

The controversy surrounding Meghan’s silence highlights the intense scrutiny celebrities face when navigating personal and public relationships. In an era where every action—or lack thereof—is dissected on social media, public figures like Meghan are held to impossibly high standards. The expectation that she should publicly acknowledge Ozzy’s death assumes a level of intimacy or obligation that may not exist. At the same time, Sharon’s vocal support for Meghan in the past has created a narrative of reciprocity that fans feel Meghan has failed to uphold.

This incident also underscores the polarized nature of public opinion about Meghan Markle. Since her marriage to Prince Harry and their subsequent departure from royal duties, Meghan has been a lightning rod for criticism. Supporters argue that she is unfairly targeted by the media and public, while detractors view her as manipulative and self-serving. The current backlash over her silence in the wake of Ozzy’s death has only deepened this divide, with some defending her right to privacy and others condemning her as ungrateful.

For Sharon Osbourne, this moment adds another layer to her already controversial career. Known for her unfiltered opinions and fierce loyalty, Sharon has never shied away from speaking her mind, even when it comes at a cost. Her supporters argue that she deserves better from those she has defended, while others believe that her past comments about Meghan may have contributed to the lack of reciprocity.

Conclusion

The passing of Ozzy Osbourne has brought grief to millions, but it has also reignited debates about loyalty, gratitude, and the complexities of celebrity relationships. Sharon Osbourne’s history of defending Meghan Markle, even in the face of controversy, has made Meghan’s silence all the more glaring to fans. The public’s reaction—calling Meghan ungrateful and cruel—reflects the high expectations placed on public figures to acknowledge personal losses, even when the connection is tenuous. As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigating fame, loyalty, and grief in the public eye. Whether Meghan’s silence is a deliberate choice or an unintended oversight, it has sparked a conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.