Jack Osbourne has pushed back against criticism following his attendance at a UFC event held at the White House, describing some of the backlash as “insane.” The reality television personality addressed the negative reactions in a video shared on his YouTube channel, highlighting social media comments that expressed disappointment and even dismay over his presence at the event.
Osbourne Clarifies Motivation for White House Visit
Osbourne emphasized that his trip to the nation’s capital was solely to witness a sporting competition. “I went to a sporting event. That’s it,” he stated. He clarified that he was not there to engage in political endorsements or discussions on foreign policy, but simply to “go see UFC.”
He detailed his lifelong passion for combat sports, citing early experiences with taekwondo, studying Muay Thai in Thailand during his late teens and early twenties, and practicing jiu-jitsu in his thirties. “I have also attended UFC and PRIDE fights going back to the early 2000s. It is something that has been a part of my life since I can remember,” Osbourne explained.
Invitation and Acceptance
Upon receiving an invitation from UFC President and CEO Dana White, Osbourne stated his immediate acceptance was a given. “Any person out there who would get an invite would have gone,” he asserted, suggesting that most individuals would not decline such an opportunity based on political leanings.
Osbourne characterized the backlash as “ridiculous,” maintaining that the event was not inherently political in his view. “It was a f—ing fight at the White House. Who gives a s—?” he questioned.
Historical Precedents and Parental Legacy
The “Night of Terror” host also addressed comments suggesting his late father, Ozzy Osbourne, would have disapproved of his attendance. Osbourne firmly refuted this, stating, “You did not know my father. You did not know where he stood with things.” He acknowledged his father’s anti-war stance, as evidenced by his song “War Pigs,” but stressed that this did not equate to an opposition to UFC or attending events at the White House.
To illustrate his father’s willingness to engage with the White House, Osbourne pointed to Ozzy Osbourne’s attendance at a White House Correspondents Dinner during the Bush administration, recalling a moment where the elder Osbourne enthusiastically reacted to a presidential mention. He also noted his father’s participation in USO tours and visits to wounded service members at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Concluding Remarks on Criticism
Directly addressing his critics, Osbourne stated, “So, shut the f— up, basically.” He reiterated that his attendance was solely for a sporting event he respects and has been part of his life for a long time. He concluded by advising those who are upset to “deal with it” and expressed that he was “sorry you weren’t invited.”
