Ed Sheeran has shut down rumours that he attended a New Year’s Eve party hosted by JK Rowling, calling the reports “divisive and damaging.”
The claims surfaced after journalist India Willoughby shared a screenshot of an article alleging Sheeran participated in the event, which sparked backlash due to Rowling’s controversial statements about the transgender community.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Linda Nolan: Singer, Advocate, And Columnist Passes Away At 65
In an Instagram story, the singer set the record straight: “Respectfully, India Willoughby, and any other journalist who has reported both these stories, neither are true. I spent New Year with my family and friends.”
Addressing the Claims
Sheeran also dismissed another report that he “brought joy to wounded IDF soldiers” at a private show, clarifying: “The story was about a charity that sourced tickets to my concert in Cyprus last year—a large-scale public event.”
Calling out the misinformation, Sheeran urged journalists to fact-check before publishing: “This sort of reporting is divisive and damaging.”
A statement from Ed on his IG Stories earlier today. – EDHQ pic.twitter.com/RqNtK05e2l
— Ed Sheeran HQ (@edsheeran) January 21, 2025
Willoughby Responds and Retracts
India Willoughby later acknowledged Sheeran’s denial, expressing relief. “Delighted to hear you didn’t go!” she posted, adding, “Delighted I can still be an Ed Sheeran fan.”
Here’s my original tweet asking directly. I note the Daily Express has now removed their made-up story. Delighted I can still be an @edsheeran fan 😊✌️❤️🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/oMN9KhxrTC
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) January 21, 2025
The original claims appeared in The Sun, which first reported on Rowling’s New Year’s Eve party. However, the tabloid has since updated its article, making no mention of Ed Sheeran.
As misinformation continues to spread, Sheeran’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy in reporting.
Kindly follow @surgezircuk on Instagram. On X (Twitter), follow @surgezircuk.
Why you can trust SurgeZirc UK. Learn more about our editorial standards.
