WWE star Becky Lynch criticised for insensitive Ozzy Osbourne joke at Birmingham show
WWE wrestler Becky Lynch has received strong criticism for making an insensitive joke about the death of Ozzy Osbourne during a live televised event in Birmingham.
On August 25th, Netflix aired the WWE RAW event live from the BP Pulse Live venue in Osbourne’s home city, just over a month on from his tragic passing at the age of 76.
However, Lynch chose to make a below the belt comment on the former Black Sabbath singer’s death, ultimately drawing outrage from those inside the venue and from fans online.
After fellow wrestler Nikki Bella goaded Lynch on to fight her in the ring, Lynch commented: “I’m not wrestling in Birmingham. The only good thing that came out of here died a month ago. But in fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he had the good sense to move to LA, a proper city. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I’d die too.”
While her intentions may not have been to genuinely upset everyone in the crowd, it is worth noting that Lynch’s wrestling person is that of a ‘heel’, which means that she deliberately tries to fit within the villain archetype and regularly attempts to provoke audiences with offensive comments.
The overall response to her comments suggested that she had taken things too far, and to joke about an icon of the city so soon after his death was wholly disrespectful. Lynch has not yet apologised for her comments.
Osbourne passed away on July 22nd, only two weeks after Black Sabbath had played their farewell charity concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, which featured performances by Metallica, Slayer, Guns ‘N Roses and several other high profile rock acts.
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