British pop star and songwriter Ed Sheeran has emerged victorious in a copyright case that had his fans on edge. Sheeran was accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” when composing his Grammy-winning song, “Thinking Out Loud.”
On Thursday, a US court ruled in favor of Sheeran, stating that he did not copy Gaye’s song. The verdict was met with celebration from the singer’s fans, who had been worried that Sheeran might quit his music career if found guilty.
“I find it really insulting to work my whole life as a singer-songwriter and diminish it,” Sheeran, 32, had said before the verdict was announced. “If that happens, I’m done — I’m stopping.”
Fans of Sheeran took to social media to express their relief and happiness following the verdict. One Twitter user wrote, “I actually enjoy Ed Sheeran’s music. His two first albums, at least. I don’t get why everyone hates on him when he’s literally the most unproblematic artist out there. Anyway, I’m glad he won his copyright trial.”
Another fan tweeted, “Oh! You are back,” while a third reacted, “Wow! We know you are a musician, not a thief.”
Some fans also greeted Sheeran for his victory, expressing their support for the singer. “We will enjoy your music till death,” wrote one fan.
The case had been closely watched by the music industry, as it raised questions about the use of similar chord progressions in different songs. Sheeran had been accused of using a “commonplace” chord progression in his song, which Gaye’s estate claimed was similar to the one used in “Let’s Get It On.”
Sheeran’s victory in the case is a relief for the singer and his fans, who can now continue to enjoy his music without worrying about a potential end to his career.
