Famous singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran continues to defend himself in a copyright infringement case initiated by Structured Asset Sales, and is so frustrated that he’s willing to ditch his career if he loses the case.
The lawsuit against Sheeran is in relation to the rights of music elements that the prosecutors allege he stole from Ed Townsend, who wrote “Let’s Get It On,” with Marvin Gaye. Sheeran spent his fifth day in court Monday, and made his feelings about the matter known in court, according to People. Sheeran remained steadfast, repeating to the court that his own inspiration led him to create the hit song.
“I find it to be really insulting,” he added. “I work really hard to be where I’m at.”
Ed Sheeran in NYC court for federal copyright trial over Marvin Gaye classic “Let’s Get it On” pic.twitter.com/nlGT3VHWGz
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 25, 2023
The famous singer spoke about his creative process during the development of “Thinking Out Loud,” saying that it was a “very collaborative” process between him and his co-writer, Amy Wage.
He said he first drew inspiration from Wage when he heard her “mumbling” the chords, and said he felt immediately drawn to develop the song. He gave background to the personal connection they both had by telling the court Sheeran’s grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer and his grandfather had died, at the same time that Wage’s family was processing an illness. He claimed the lyrics were derived from their shared personal struggle, according to People.
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Sheeran gave even more insight to the song’s developmental stages by informing the courts that the lyrics were originally “I’m singing out now” before he changed them to “I’m thinking out loud.” He proceeded to sing both versions in court and played the opening chords on his guitar, according to People. (RELATED: Ed Sheeran Reveals His Wife Was Diagnosed With A Tumor During Pregnancy)
When asked what he would do if he loses the case, Sheeran said, “If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping.”
“You’re trying to diminish my success,” he said.