Singer addresses lawsuit accusations from songwriters over alleged borrowing from 2015 track.

Ed Sheeran has firmly rejected accusations of copying musical ideas as he appeared in court to address the ongoing legal battle surrounding his hit Shape of You.

Sheeran faces legal action from songwriters Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue, who allege that parts of their 2015 track Oh Why were used without permission in his 2017 single.

During the trial’s opening on Friday, Chokri and O’Donoghue’s lawyer, Andrew Sutcliffe, described Sheeran as a “magpie” who frequently “borrows ideas” without proper credit. On Monday, Sheeran took the stand to counter these claims, firmly denying any wrongdoing.

The musician told the court that if Sutcliffe had conducted a proper investigation, he would have found numerous lesser-known artists with whom Sheeran had cleared song elements. Additionally, he denied having any familiarity with Chokri when the latter performed under the name Sami Switch earlier in his career.

“I’ve never done what you’re suggesting,” Sheeran asserted, addressing Sutcliffe. In a written statement, Sheeran further disputed having met Chokri at a London Nando’s, dismissing the accusation.

The singer also emphasised his efforts to ensure fairness, stating, “I’ve always tried to credit anyone contributing to any song I’ve written, even those who were only minor influences.”

Chokri and O’Donoghue are arguing that Shape of You contains “specific lines and phrases” taken from their track Oh Why, sparking this high-profile legal dispute.