Sharon Osbourne cites discrimination in leaving 'America's Got Talent'

SharonOsbourne says she is quitting as an "America's Got Talent" judge because the network discriminated against her son after discovering he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Jack Osbourne -- who starred with his mother, sister Kelly and father, heavy-metal rocker Ozzy in the 2002-05 MTV reality show "The Osbournes" -- was dropped from NBC's upcoming military-style competition, "Stars Earn Stripes," after his MS became public, Sharon Osbourne charged.

NBC Entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt responded Monday in a statement: "We . . . cannot comment specifically about Jack, but as a company that cares deeply about the health and safety of everyone on our shows . . . 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 ['Stars Earn Stripes'] 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."

Jack Osbourne learned in May that he has MS, an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is treatable but incurable.

The Osbourne matriarch, 59, tweeted Monday, "Please don't misunderstand. I love ["America's Got Talent"] w/ all my heart and will of course finish out the season. It is still one of the best shows on TV." She gave kudos to her fellow judges, Howie Mandel and Howard Stern, host Nick Cannon and "the world's best crew."

Sharon and Jack Osbourne's representative did not respond to requests for comment.

Sharon Osbourne's comments were first reported by the New York Post.

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