Ed Sheeran has responded to claims that he “looked like a slob” during a recent appearance on stage alongside Beyoncé.
Last week (December 2), Sheeran performed a duet with Beyoncé at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Beyoncé was dressed in an elaborate pink gown whilst Sheeran appeared wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
The two looks prompted a backlash on social media with many addressing the double standards surrounding the appearance of both male and female performers.
https://twitter.com/shonfaye/status/1069933893917270016
https://twitter.com/theneedledrop/status/1070058830250287110
https://twitter.com/TheRealJokeStar/status/1070061138610671621
This started a debate of double standards between men and women when it shouldn’t. Beyoncé’s persona is over the top fashion statements and ed sheeran’s is the complete opposite. That doesn’t mean double standards that just means they have different persona’s of performing. UGH https://t.co/PS7vC6gTYa
— lauren (@laurenshaw_8) December 5, 2018
Ultimate juxtaposition in this picture. Double standards exist but Ed being casual is part of his brand just like Beyonce chooses elaborate outfits. When I went to see Ed Sheeran it was for his musical performance and nothing else. Couldn't care less about what he's wearing https://t.co/68vVemV4ru
— ~ (@mobean) December 4, 2018
Agree #Beyonce #EdSheeran #clothesmake #fashion #DoubleStandards #style #boystyle #dress #attire https://t.co/BzBR9UySdV
— Look For The Woman, Magazine (@look4thewoman) December 5, 2018
Now, Sheeran has responded to the incident by first posting a screenshot of an article saying people were “angry” about his outfit alongside a picture of the t-shirt he wore at the festival.
The singer then added: “Swipe up to ’get the look” alongside the hashtag “#dresstoimpress.” The hashtag is often used by fashion bloggers as a link to clothes they want to sell.
Yesterday (December 6), it was revealed that Sheeran had the highest grossing tour of 2018 with Billboard reporting that his ‘Divide’ tour brought in more than $429 million (approximately £335 million) in 99 shows all over the world.
Sheeran has set a new year-end record in Billboard’s Boxscore, which has been running since 1990, beating The Rolling Stones’ record of $425.1 million (approximately £335 million) for their 2006 ‘A Bigger Bang’ tour. The ‘Shape of You’ singer has also set the all-time record for the highest-grossing solo tour.
Sheeran is also currently 9/1 with bookies to earn a Christmas number 1, with Ariana Grande and Elton John also in the running.