Is the LAPD investigation of Sharon Osbourne for real?

First there were insults. A glass of water was thrown. Then came scratching and hair-pulling. So says the Los Angeles Police Department, which is investigating an incident Sunday reportedly involving Sharon Osbourne and contestant Megan Hauserman during the taping of the reality show "Rock of Love: Charm School," airing on VH1. The show is all about teaching etiquette to rough edged rock 'n' roll wannabees.

LAPD officials said they are treating the matter as they would any other -- even though it involved activities on a reality TV show. But Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson questioned why they had to. Although it isn't OK to accost someone, Levenson said, opening a police investigation based on what takes place on the set of television reality show seems questionable.

"It sort of makes you shake your head," Levenson said. "What's next, calling the cops during TV wrestling matches?"

There is no evidence that the fight was designed to be a publicity stunt for the show. But Levenson noted that such programs relish being in the public eye. "The bottom line is that we have limited resources. Why are we using them for slapping on stage rather than shootings in the street?" Levenson said. "Get a security guard."

The winner of the competition gets $100,000, not to mention free publicity. Police would not officially confirm the identity of the alleged suspect or victim, a winner of the reality show "Beauty and the Geek" in 2007, but said an investigation is underway.

The British press, never one to exaggerate, described the altercation as "a brutal catfight." The motive for the attack allegedly was Hauserman's cutting remarks about Osbourne's husband, rocker Ozzie Osbourne, who she described as a "brain-dead rock star."

--Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Sharon Osbourne. Credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Jay]

Why can't Laurie Levenson keep her poorly informed opinions to herself once in a while. Her suggestion that an investigation is overkill reflects a serious lack of insight - if you know how "well informed" her opinions are this won't surprise you. I suppose she would suggest that if the fight resulted in hospitalization, or for that matter if someone was physically abused or raped, it would be acceptable as long as it was in the context of a "reality" show.

[L Noname]

And the LA Times considers this news? As opposed to the shootings in the streets? Point for the reality tv think tank; zero for LA Times.