Sharon Osbourne erupts over claims digital Ozzy is 'cash grab'

Sharon Osbourne has defended her plans to create a lifelike digital version of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne.

As fans accused the family of turning the rock legend's legacy into a "cash grab," Sharon is reportedly left "devastated" due to the backlash.

The Digital Ozzy project, which is being developed in partnership with technology companies Hyperreal and Proto Hologram, aims to creat hyperreal avatar of the Black Sabbath frontman that could appear in concerts, films, advertisments and interactive experiences.

Following the backlash, a source said, "Sharon sees this as a way of keeping Ozzy's personality and influence alive for future generations. She feels people are rushing to judge something they haven't even seen yet."

"The reaction has genuinely upset her because she believes Ozzy would have loved the technological side of it. From her perspective, this is about celebrating his life and introducing him to audiences who never had the chance to experience him," another added.

Furthermore, Sharon has rejected claims that the project was financially motivated during her conversation on The Osbournes podcast.

"For somebody to turn around to me and say I'm doing a cash grab? No, you don't know my husband. He would say to me over and over, 'After I go, how long do you think I'll be remembered?' (It's something) that will pass on through our family, and it's for our grandkids," she said.

Moreover, Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne's son Jack Osbourne also defended the ambitious nature of the project. "For me, it's not about pretending he's still alive. It's making sure he's never forgotten," he said.