Ed Sheeran’s strong response to backlash over ‘Irish’ comment

Ed Sheeran has recently shared strong response to the criticism over “identifying culturally as Irish” statement.

The Shape of You singer said that he identified himself as Irish, even though he was born and raised in England during his appearance on Louis Theroux Podcast.

Ed revealed that he was raised in Suffolk, but his dad is from Belfast, and he spent lots of time in Ireland during his childhood.

Therefore, he “identifies culturally as Irish, but I was obviously born and raised in Britain”.

While speaking on The Tracy Clifford Show on RTE, the four-time Grammy winner lately addressed the backlash and hate he received after his comment.

“I feel like people are a bit like ‘gatekeepey’ sometimes,” said the 34-year-old.

Photograph crooner stated, “I think it comes from Americans that are 1/16th Irish... I do understand it.’

“But also – no one can tell me what my childhood was, or what the culture that I grew up with, or the music I grew up with, or the humour I grew up with, or the movies I grew up were,” explained Ed.

Perfect hit-maker added, “I grew up with it, therefore, it’s part of me.”

Meanwhile, Ed’s comments came after he posted an initial reaction to his Instagram Story in June calling out all those who had “an opinion after what I said about my heritage”.

Surprisingly, this week, the singer was spotted performing in an Irish pub during a music and arts festival in Wexford.