Kelly Osbourne is experiencing her own emotions. In the most recent issue of Us Weekly, Osbourne, who turned 40 on Sunday, October 27, said, “Not to brag or anything, but I don’t think I look my age.” She’s right: It’s hard to imagine that 22 years have passed since she and her renownedly crazy family first appeared in our living rooms on the ground-breaking MTV reality series The Osbournes. Despite looks, she has undoubtedly experienced a great deal over the previous twenty-plus years, fighting against mental health disorders, addiction, and body shaming from both her inner voice and the media.
Reflection has been sparked by Osbourne’s milestone. She informs us that everything she has experienced has shaped who she is now. “I am incredibly thankful for all of my mistakes, lessons learnt, and everything else. I lead such an amazing life. After having gastric bypass surgery two years prior, she disclosed in 2020 that she has shed 85 pounds, and she had been sober since 2021. However, Osbourne claims that motherhood has altered her the most. She adds of the birth of her son Sidney, who turns two on November 6, with her partner, 47-year-old Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson, “I genuinely believe my baby saved me and made me a whole human.” “Before having a baby, I don’t think I understood what love was.”
In an interview with Us at the W Hotel in Hollywood, Osbourne discussed her biggest regrets, the misunderstandings people have about having famous parents, and her exciting next chapter. She claims that “if you spent five minutes in my shoes, you couldn’t cut it.”
What are your thoughts about reaching 40?
For me, it’s around a 50-50. While part of me is still acting like a teenager, the other half is eager and prepared for it. It is similar to saying, “Whoa. What is happening? Now you truly are a grownup.
You have come a long way.
I’ve come a long way in my life. What on earth could I be complaining about? I have an amazing partner, a job, and a baby who has transformed me into someone else entirely.
How has the arrival of your son Sidney changed your life?
Since everything has changed, I can’t recall my life before having the baby. I was unaware of how strong the emotion of love would be after having a child. It’s the most … addicting sensation I’ve ever had. In that instant, you come to the realization that “you’ve given me purpose like nothing has ever given me before.” I don’t believe I had a goal. This kind of self-doubt and self-hatred that I used to have would simply drain me as I went from one thing to another.
Do you think he arrived at the ideal moment?
I don’t think God would have given me a child when I wasn’t ready, either physically or mentally. [At the time] I was still drinking and doing a lot of drugs. I would not have been a good mother. I wasn’t sufficiently selfless. I’m very happy that it occurred when I was a little older and more composed.
Do you think your perspective on life has changed since then?
As I turn forty, I have the chance to embrace my true self and bid adieu to the past. I get to begin anew. The humiliation of being an addict used to follow me everywhere, and it was a terrible burden.
Really?
When you’re in it, you feel like such a failure. I wanted to party, but I never used drugs. I wanted to dull myself, so I took medications. I detested my identity. I felt unworthy of all that occurred to me and quite uneasy.
Did you ever doubt that you would live to be forty?
Naturally. At one point, everyone in my immediate vicinity was ODing or dying of some terrible disease. Because I thought, “Well, why have they spared me?” I developed survivor’s guilt. I didn’t sit back and realize that I needed to work on myself until I was around 33 years old. It will be me next, therefore I have to sort this out. When you are an addict, you only go to one of three places: prison, an institution, or death. I was quite fortunate to merely wind up in the institutions.
Over the years, you have been candid about your body image issues. With that, where are you?
In the past, I was unable to gaze in the mirror. Because I didn’t want to see my body, I was the type of girl who took showers with the lights off. I no longer feel that way. People believe I’ve had f—ing plastic surgery, but I’m actually happy with the way I appear!
And you haven’t had any?
I’ve had Botox. I’ve always been really forthright about my past actions and inactions. I’ve never done filler, but I’ll do injections all day. “You’ve done too much to your face,” everyone says, and I respond, “Actually, I was all right looking underneath all that fat.” Losing weight impacted the shape of my face.
As you age, would you be amenable to a little nip or tuck?
God, I’ve already arrived. I’ll get that cleaned up because I don’t want a flicky neck, for example. I feel like I’m beginning to develop jowls, which I don’t want. There is a graceful way to do things. I have no desire to alter my appearance. I want to finish my t-ts. They appear sagging and droopy, but I’m too afraid. What if it doesn’t work out? I’m already hurting.
Do you find it annoying when others criticize your appearance?
I ignore the commotion. Everybody has the right to their own opinions. I must look nice if they believe I’ve had plastic surgery! But when someone labels you overweight or when everyone says, “She’s on Ozempic,” the three-letter insults get to you. I haven’t participated in Ozempic! Get the narrative right—I had my stomach stapled.
What makes folks think you’ve taken it?
People find it really difficult to look at someone who knows how difficult it is to lose weight, and when they do, they tend to say, “Well f–k her.” Now, who does she believe herself to be?
How do you feel about Ozempic?
It’s amazing to see the medical advantages of someone with a weight issue. However, I do believe that it can be quite harmful in the wrong hands.
How are you keeping the weight off? Do you exercise?
I’m not thinking about my weight at the moment. I walk, but I don’t work out. It all comes down to choosing the healthiest option available at the time, and occasionally I fail to do so. However, I can quickly hop back on if I fall off.
You wanted to reduce weight, but why?
I didn’t like my appearance. I wanted to be a jeans and T-shirt girl because I was sick of being a little overweight. All it takes to look good is a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. It’s fantastic that I got to be that girl. I adore it. I’m rather pleased with where I’ve come in my weight loss journey. It’s not simple. I regret not having the procedure done sooner.
How is your diet?
People would say, “Oh my God, she’s insane,” if they seen my genuine eating habits. [Giggles] There are days when I only eat cookies and chocolate. Food is a constant source of hardship for me. I suffer from all of the -isms, including those related to food, drugs, alcohol, and mental health.
Do you feel more at peace with yourself now?
My feeling of self is so strong now. Being the most attractive girl in the room, the smartest, the funniest, or the loudest is not what I desire. Learning to embrace my weird self was a f—ing journey that led me to the edge of hell and back, but all I want is to be myself.
How did you end up in your current position?
It was a lot of therapy, to be honest. I was unaware that I had a psychological diagnosis; I was unaware of the extent to which my OCD was controlling my life and the role that worry and sadness were playing.
You and your parents, Ozzy and Sharon, were raised like movie stars. What were the negative aspects of that?
The drawback is that you have access to everything, which is inappropriate for a toddler. My parents tried their best to protect us and teach us about drugs and proper sexual behavior. They went into great detail to teach us not to do this. You will die from this.
With whom do you maintain contact from your early days of fame?
Paris [Hilton] is the person I spend the most time with. She is the greatest. She is a unicorn. She is unlike anyone who has ever been or will ever be like her.
Another person who seems to have been misinterpreted is Paris.
It is [because] the living is incomprehensible to outsiders. “Why do you have that when you haven’t done anything?” they ask themselves.
Do you find it bothersome that people have certain assumptions about you?
when people believe that I have had an easy life. Because of my parents’ personalities, they perceive me as being pampered and as having everything handed to me. And I won’t lie, that did occur in certain instances. However, I had to battle hard in most of them because I wasn’t the slender, attractive ingénue. It’s not for everyone. I was the fat, ungainly anarchist. I still need to demonstrate my abilities in the workplace before I can land a position.
Is that still true?
It has become simpler. I don’t take offense when others don’t like what I’ve done. “What would you like to see?” is all I want to know. We can proceed when you demonstrate how I can improve on that.
After all these years, how does it feel to watch The Osbournes?
I just recently saw [it] for the first time. Additionally, I believe I’ve only finished season 2.
How come it took so long?
Seeing yourself on TV is awful. What people say doesn’t matter to me. “Oh my God, I have a double chin there,” you say. You’ll discover that everything about you is flawed. Even more difficult was the fact that, in addition to my dad’s active addictions and my mom’s cancer diagnosis, I was also having a lot of identity issues. Even though it was really challenging, after watching the video again, I thought, “I f–king wish I realized just how cool everything was and I didn’t think I was worthless again.” Given how amazing the experience was, that is truly a regret.
Is the show a boon or a bane in your opinion?
A boon. I adore it when someone approaches me and seems to know me well enough to say certain things. It indicates that you can relate to them.
You seem quite grounded, as does your brother, Jack!
You encounter the same individuals on the way up as you do on the way down, my parents have always taught me. I have never before acted like a “celebrity.” [Who do] I know a lot. If my celebrity pals act like celebrities, it might make or ruin my relationship with them.
What negative conduct have you observed?
Celebrities have been known to click their fingers at others. I have witnessed celebrities trip, tumble, and spill a drink on another women who is wearing a nicer outfit. Like a cruel chick. Here’s a little tea [from my Fashion Police days]: A designer was supposed to clothe Lupita Nyong’o. I won’t reveal who. Because she wanted to be the only one wearing that designer, one of the actresses that the designer was also dressing had her dress taken off of her. At Fashion Police, we were given this story: [Lupita] went shopping at the last minute and purchased a dress, which turned out to be the best dressed.
Describe Fashion Police in more detail.
My experience working with Joan and Melissa Rivers was the best job I’ve ever had. I was in love with Joan. She became my dearest friend and mentor. It was a tremendous loss for me because we spoke every day. On Fashion Police, I at last found my true self.
Do you believe Joan was able to boost your self-esteem?
For all of that, I give Joan credit. Joan Rivers and therapy!
Is there a Fashion Police today?
Fashion Police could not possibly exist in the modern world. We now approach things in a different way. People are easily offended, and there is no such thing as a sense of humor or tongue-in-cheek. But it was just what I thought the outfit should be. It was not an assassination of a character. The majority of celebrities prefer to be discussed. They wore the foolish clothing for that reason.
One day, would you participate in another reality show?
I’ve received a lot of interest in filming a reality show since I started sharing more pictures of my entire family on Instagram. “If the offer was right, we would do it,” we said after discussing it.
The entire family?
Only my [immediate] family, please. Getting us all together would be a logistical headache.
What would be forbidden?
Details on the health of my father. [In 2019, Ozzy received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.] I used to not know what to keep to myself, but now I do.
What’s up with him?
Parkinson’s disease is very complex. Until you’re in it, we can’t tell good days from terrible ones. On October 19, the vocalist of “Crazy Train” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but we weren’t even sure whether we would make it to Ohio. We didn’t know if we were going until the day of the flight because he was medically cleared for it [that day]. He was incredible the entire weekend, delighted to see everyone, and felt incredibly honored, moved, and touched by the entire event.
Observing our parents age is challenging.
“Oh, they’re fragile, and they’re a little lost, and now it’s my job to show them the way,” you realize abruptly. Since my family and I are so tight that we would be nothing without one another, losing a member is my greatest worry.
Have you ever wished your parents had been stricter with you when you were younger?
They made an effort to be severe with us, but we were unreachable. I accept complete responsibility for everything.
When Sidney gets older, is there anything you won’t let him do?
My son is fifteen, and I won’t let him go out to clubs.
How would you feel as a teenager if he brought home an outrageous hairstyle or outfit?
Like my mother did with me, I would embrace it wholeheartedly. “You’re looking a little butch,” or “This is quite a severe look,” would be her honest statement. She made me be myself, though.
Which Osbourne is the most outrageous?
My mother is the most outrageous Osbourne, but my dad is a crazy man. You should never betray my mom.
How did it feel to be raised under your father’s shadow?
It had both positive and negative aspects. You may be sure that if I were to stand in someone’s shadow, it would always be his. However, I stopped performing music because I didn’t appreciate being compared to my father. Although it’s one of my worst regrets, it helped me create Fashion Police and other incredible things.
There is nothing in the world that I love more than my dad. I’m so proud of him since he always manages to overcome the obstacles he faces and overcomes everything that comes his way. He is unlike anyone else. He’s a real iron man.
How did your parents help you through difficult times?
Throughout my entire life, my parents have stood by me. At times, they put up a stronger fight for me than I did for myself. They are the most encouraging people anyone could ask for, and they gave me the greatest present anyone could have given me by sending me to Austin, Texas, for treatment in order to address the underlying causes of all of my issues. I visited a location known as Driftwood. My life was totally altered.
Did you reach your lowest point before seeking assistance?
I’m not ready to discuss it, but there was a clear turning point. When something did occur, I said, “All right. This is it. I simply feel a lot of guilt about it, but I’m pleased it happened.
Where are you at this point in your sobriety?
For me, it’s a difficult journey. The majority of my days are wonderful, but occasionally I have a terrible day when I find it difficult to get myself together. I don’t have to feel the agony or feel worthless when I numb myself, which is my natural habitual instinct. I could simply hibernate. But after having a baby, you can’t do that. You really can’t. Sometimes it’s hard to find other strategies to get through those tough days.
How do you overcome them?
My life was spared by medication.
What guidance would you provide someone dealing with addiction or mental health issues?
Restart yourself if you fall.
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