Ozzy Osbourne denies marriage split rumors

[April 17, 2013]  LONDON (AP) -- Rocker Ozzy Osbourne has denied rumors of a split from his wife Sharon and apologized to his family for returning to drink and drugs.

The Black Sabbath singer says he was in a "dark place" but has been sober for 44 days.

In a message posted Tuesday on his Facebook page, 64-year-old Osbourne said that "for the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs."

He said, "I was in a very dark place," and apologized for his "insane behavior."

Osbourne added: "Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing."

The couple and their children, Jack and Kelly, became reality TV stars a decade ago with MTV series "The Osbournes."

Sharon Osbourne was later a judge on "America's Got Talent" -- as well as Ozzy's manager.

Ozzy Osbourne was a founding member of heavy-metal pioneers Black Sabbath, but left the group in 1979.

He has since rejoined, and the band's new studio album "13" -- its first with Ozzy for 35 years -- is out in June.

The band is due to tour Australia and New Zealand this month and plans European and North American dates later in the year.

[Associated Press]

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