Animal-rights group PETA posted a tribute following rock legend Ozzy Osbourne’s death at age 76. Their message praised “the gentle side he showed to animals,” However, many fans were left confused given Osbourne’s notorious history with animals, including biting a bat’s head off on stage.
Ozzy’s Iconic Bat Incident Revisited
On January 20, 1982, during a Black Sabbath concert in Des Moines, Iowa, Ozzy famously grabbed what he believed was a rubber bat thrown onstage — only to discover it was real. He bit its head off and later received rabies shots. He’s maintained that the bat was already dead, though some sources say it was alive. Regardless, the scene went down in rock history as one of the most shocking live moments.
Dove Incident Adds to the Controversy
Ozzy’s run-ins with animals weren’t limited to bats. In 1981, during a promotional meeting with CBS Records executives, he reportedly bit the heads off two white doves. He later claimed they were already deceased, but the spectacle reinforced his “Prince of Darkness”
Darker Moments: Other Animal Incidents
In darker revelations, Ozzy admitted that during his substance-fueled turmoil in the 1980s, he shot and killed around 17 of his own cats. He especially recalled the horror of that time and later became sober in 2013. These deeply troubling acts contrasted sharply with his later advocacy, creating a jarring narrative arc from harm to compassion.
Ozzy’s Advocacy: A Surprising Turn
Later in life, Ozzy shifted into activism, especially on animal rights. In 2020, he collaborated with PETA in their anti-declawing cat campaign, asserting that declawing is equivalent to amputation. He appeared alongside his wife Sharon in an ad proclaiming, “Fur is dead,” encouraging the adoption of rescued pets. PETA praised him for the “gentle side he showed to animals” and noted his role in publicizing the cruelty of declawing surgeries — a stark contrast that surprised the public given his violent past.
Fans React to PETA’s Praise
Social media lit up with reactions when PETA’s tribute was released. Some fans called it out as tone-deaf or ironic:
“He bit the head off a bat lmao how is that gentle?”
“He bit the heads off of 2 living animals you twits!”
Others admitted they thought PETA’s post was fake or satire. Critics argued that praising his “gentle side” seemed disingenuous when considered alongside his infamous acts
Reconciling a Complex Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is undeniably complex. He was a heavy-metal icon who pushed boundaries and courted controversy. His dramatic acts — from biting animal heads to endorsing cruelty-free campaigns — reflect a life filled with contradiction. While fans cherish his contributions to rock music and popular culture, many struggle to reconcile his earlier animal cruelty with his later advocacy. PETA’s fundraiser highlights the potential for personal change, but it also raises questions about sincerity and the timing of redemption.
A Rock Legend Remembered
Ozzy passed away on July 22, 2025, surrounded by his family after battling Parkinson’s disease since 2020. Amid tributes from Elton John, Rod Stewart, Ice‑T, and others, PETA’s tribute shines a light on his evolving relationship with animals. Even in death, he sparks debate — about fame, accountability, redemption, and the multifaceted nature of public figures.
