Update: Ed Sheeran Found Not Guilty Of Plagiarizing Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’

Update: Ed Sheeran Found Not Guilty Of Plagiarizing Marvin Gaye’s ‘Let’s Get It On’

Update: (May. 4, 2023): Looks like Ed Sheeran won’t be retiring from music anytime soon.

You may recall that earlier this week while on the stand, the UK native claimed that if he’s found liable of copying the late Marvin Gaye’s classic song “Let’s Get It On” to create his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud” he’d be “done” with music.

He added,

“I find it really insulting to devote my whole life to being a performer and a songwriter and have someone diminish it.”

Ed Sheeran was sued by the estate of Ed Townsend in 2017.  The descendants and estate of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the 70s hit, stated in the lawsuit that Ed Sheeran’s song contains “striking similarities” to “Let’s Get It On” and “overt common elements.”

Well, the verdict is in and the 32-year-old musician has been found not liable. According to reports, a Manhattan jury found today (May 4) that Ed Sheeran did not engage in copyright infringement. Reportedly, the “Eyes Closed” artist hugged his attorneys when the verdict was read.

He has yet to publically speak on the ruling.

[VIA 1,2]

Original story: (May. 2, 2023): Ed Sheeran is embarrassed over the claims that he is a music thief!

In a Manhattan federal courtroom on Monday (May 1) Ed Sheeran took the stand and promised to walk away from his music career if a jury finds him guilty of copying the late Marvin Gaye’s classic song “Let’s Get It On.” The British singer reportedly said:

“If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping.”

Ed Sheeran

According to Ed Sheeran, the accusations are “insulting” and Marvin Gaye’s song did not come to his mind when he wrote his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud.” The 32-year-old said:

“I find it really insulting to devote my whole life to being a performer and a songwriter and have someone diminish it.”

He continued:

“Quite frankly, if I’d done what you’re accusing me of doing, I’d be quite an idiot to stand on a stage in front of 20,000 people and do that.”

In addition, while on the stand he reportedly noted that his song was inspired by Irish musician Van Morrison.

As previously reported, the musician was sued by the estate of Ed Townsend in 2017 over his breakout single “Thinking Out Loud.” The descendants and estate of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the 70s hit, stated in the official lawsuit that the pop song contains “striking similarities” to “Let’s Get It On” and “overt common elements.” Townsend’s daughter Kathryn, who has been actively pushing the lawsuit, previously stated:

“The two songs share versions of a similar and unprotectable chord progression that was freely available to all songwriters.”

The plaintiffs are seeking $100 million in restitution.

What are your thoughts on Ed Sheeran threatening to quit music if found guilty? Tell us below.

[VIA]