However, Hearn responded by issuing a statement Monday saying: "I personally take any accusation of "bullying and intimidation" by me or World Snooker very seriously".
But the two Englishmen's relationship took a turn for the worse when Hearn said last week that some of O'Sullivan's recent behaviour had been "embarrassing".
Five-time world champion O'Sullivan conducted an extraordinary press conference on Sunday following his first round victory at the World Championships, claiming he had received a disciplinary letter from World Snooker which contained threatening language.
O'Sullivan revealed the extent of his distress on Sunday and made clear that he meant to take the matter further, claiming that the language used by the sport's chiefs was "threatening".
Hearn said: "I couldn't think of a stage that was more appropriate bearing in mind the history in this room today to announce World Snooker's decision today to grant two invitational tour cards for the next two years to two players - multiple ranking winners in their own right but great ambassadors for the sport of snooker".
"I like Barry, but I'm not being intimidated or bullied any more".
Hearn last week criticised O'Sullivan, saying his recent behaviour in media interviews was "embarrassing", following a series of weird exchanges.
Questions remain after investigators find opioids throughout Prince's home, documents show
And the former attorney for two of Prince's dead siblings says they had revealed Prince had an addiction to Percocet decades ago. In a side note, it was also discovered that, because he was once hacked and didn't trust them, Prince didn't use a cellphone.
Five-time champion O'Sullivan also starts his campaign on Saturday as his best-of-19-frame opener against Wallsend cueman Gary Wilson, a debutant, begins in the afternoon session.
He said he hoped all parties could "move on" and focus on the "brilliant entertainment" at the World Championship. "Drop me out, I don't need you, you probably don't need me".
"I don't think I've done a lot wrong".
That grievance seemingly dates to an incident during his seventh Masters triumph when he publicly criticised a referee and swore at a photographer. I could go and do Big Brother, I could go and do I'm A Celebrity.
"Did I overplay shots, did I double-check stuff?"
"If I don't show up I would feel I am short-changing the people who have invested in me".
Selby vs O'Brien; Day vs Guodong; Robertson vs Saengkham; Fu vs Brecel; Murphy vs Bingtao; O'Sullivan vs G. Wilson; Wenbo vs Carrington; Ding vs Yuelong; Bingham vs Ebdon; K. Wilson vs Grace; Allen vs Robertson; Higgins vs Gould; Hawkins vs Ford; Carter vs Dott; McGill vs Maguire; Trump vs McLeod.
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