Sharon, who is due to appear on the live shows of the ITV talent show later this year, called Simon “fat faced” and “a fucking pain in the arse” in an expletive-filled rant on a US radio show.
She even expressed her relief at not judging the auditions for the current series, saying: “I don’t have to have those kids singing in my face. They all suck, and it’s like: is this karaoke or what?”
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Sharon Osbourne insulted Simon Cowell and 'The X Factor'
ITV/Rex/Shutterstock
Despite claims Sharon’s comments had cast doubt on her ‘X Factor’ role, Simon laughed them off, telling The Sun: “You know what… how many times have I heard that? Sometimes people get overexcited and they say things they may regret.
“But how many years have I worked with her? A long time!”
Asked if he would work with her again, he replied: “One hundred per cent. Words don’t hurt me.”
Sharon is due to act as an impartial fifth judge during the live stages of this year’s competition, alongside Simon, Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and Louis Tomlinson.
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Sharon will still serve as a fifth judge on this year's panel
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment
It had previously been reported Simon wanted her to leave the panel alongside previous judges Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh in a show clear-out earlier this year.
“My contract is watertight. I’ve checked it out with someone and have told Simon that,” he told The Sun. “He has asked me to come and see him in LA.
“I have spoken to Sharon. She’s said they can only sack us if they pay us.”
‘The X Factor’ continues on Sunday at 8pm on ITV.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)