• Home
  • News
  • Coins2Day 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
Arts & EntertainmentEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran Is Getting Sued for Allegedly Copying Marvin Gaye

By
Naja Rayne
Naja Rayne
and
People
People
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Naja Rayne
Naja Rayne
and
People
People
Down Arrow Button Icon
August 10, 2016, 8:33 AM ET
Ed Sheeran Performs In Brisbane
Ed Sheeran performs at Suncorp Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. Photograph by Glenn Hunt — Getty Images

This article was originally published on people.com.

Has Ed Sheeran found himself in hot water over his 2014 single “Thinking Out Loud?”

The British singer is being sued by the family of Ed Townsend – co-writer of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” – who have accused Sheeran, 25, of stealing the melody, harmony, and rhythm composition of Gaye’s 1973 hit, TMZ reports.

A rep for Sheeran did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Townsend’s family weren’t the only ones to allege similarities between the songs. Recently, during their 25th anniversary show in New Jersey, boyband Boyz II Men pointed out the apparent likeness between the tracks as they started a cover of “Let’s Get It On,” and transitioned into Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

Sheeran’s dealt with similar legal troubles in the recent past, having been sued over his song “Photograph” in June.

Songwriters Martin Harrington and Tom Leonard filed a lawsuit, alleging that Sheeran’s song sounded too similar to one they wrote for a onetime winner of The X Factor that was released by British singer Matt Cardle in 2012.

Harrington and Leonard sought a jury trial and damages in excess of $20 million, as well as royalties.

About the Authors
By Naja Rayne
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By People
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Coins2Day 500
  • Global 500
  • Coins2Day 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Coins2Day Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Coins2Day Brand Studio
  • Coins2Day Analytics
  • Coins2Day Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Coins2Day
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Coins2Day Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Coins2Day Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.