Ed Sheeran stepped in it, called Nicki Minaj’s VMA arguments ‘a bit redundant’

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This is all part of our ongoing series, “We’re Only Going To Write About Taylor Swift & Nicki Minaj From Now On.”

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have been friends for years. Their friendship is actually one of the things I like most about Taylor Swift – Taylor seems close to genuine in her utterly friendzoned affection for Ed and Ed, in turn, probably gets set up on lots of dates with Tay-Tay’s attractive friends. They work well together as buds. But Ed needs to understand that there is a time to help a sister out and there’s a time to just keep your mouth shut. In the midst of the beautiful mess that was the Nicki Minaj-Taylor Swift drama, Ed decided to chime in. He told the Daily Telegraph:

“I think everyone knows that Taylor has done nothing wrong in that situation. She didn’t nominate herself for the awards. It’s not her fault, she just made some good videos and people think they’re good. And I think the Minaj point is a bit redundant, her point is that you have to be skinny and white to get a video of the year nomination but Beyonce’s 7/11 is in there and that is celebrating the female figure in every form.”

[From The Daily Telegraph]

First of all, this has a whiff of “listen to me, I’m a white man and I will mansplain what these silly women are fighting about.” Second of all, NO, “everyone” is not in agreement that Taylor did nothing wrong. Yes, Nicki was making some very pointed comments and yes, some of those comments were about Taylor, but Nicki’s larger argument was drowned out as soon as Swifty piped up with her tone-deaf faux-feminism. Even Taylor apologized for doing something “wrong.”

As for Ed saying that Minaj’s point is “redundant” – boy, you in danger. He knew he was in danger too.

How To Walk Back Your Mansplaining, By Ed Sheeran.

Photos courtesy of Getty, Instagram & Twitter.

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85 Responses to “Ed Sheeran stepped in it, called Nicki Minaj’s VMA arguments ‘a bit redundant’”

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  1. kri says:

    Le sigh. He should have just let it go after he and Bruno Mars did their spoof. That was hilarious. And yeah, he’s missing the point with the “redundant” thing.

    • V4Real says:

      What’s funny is how he used Beyonce as an example. One curvy Black woman back in 2011 as compared to how many White female entertainers for how many years.

      That’s like Vogue putting one Black model on their cover compared to the amount of White models that have been featured on the cover.

      • Bridget says:

        Beyonce is one of the current nominees for Video of the Year. That’s why he name-checked her.

      • V4Real says:

        Still one curvy Black woman and it’s the same woman from 2011.

        That’s like putting Naomi Campbell on the cover of Vogue twice and saying we’ve had a Black woman on the cover two times.

      • Mispronounced Name Dropper says:

        @V4Real: Bridget’s right. I think you should apologize for your mistake.

      • Bridget says:

        That’s not the same thing at all. I’m not even making a comment about the validity of Nicki’s point, merely pointing out that yours is incorrect. He pretty clearly referenced Beyonce because she was the most nominated artist this year.

      • fee says:

        Since 1984 it has been all males who have won, 1st female winner, Sinead O’Conner, TLC, Madonna, Lauren Hill, the girls from Lady Marmalade, Missy Elliot, Rhianna, Britney, Beyonce, Laday Gaga, Katy Perry, Rhianna and Miley.
        31 years of Awards, and 13 were female, 7 are Black American, the rest a mix of Irish, Latin etc…. I fail to see Nickys point. She got so many nom but not the bid of the year, she complained that if you’re white, tall skinny you get the nom, meanwhile the nom are again all men except for Taylor and Beyonce, there is your full body woman, so yeah, I too would think it is about me if I were Taylor. Her whole argument goes out the window, just another spoiled diva who does not think she got her dues. Sorry I’m no fan of any of these videos, Ananconda does not portray the beauty of big women but sexualizes big asses, while showing skimpy asses. Can’t be pro female while degrading women, and that does for all of them. I vote for Ed, Thinking out loud, beautiful

  2. Starrywonder says:

    LOL wow. T Swift and crew are in danger.

    • Chic says:

      Right on schedule. She carts out black ‘friends’ on stage to maker her look good, but she’s white as it comes in her actual life. And thank god we have Ed to mansplain, we little women should sit down and let the men get on with running life again.

  3. Lynnie says:

    This reminds me of the Kanye-Khloe-Amber thing. Didn’t he learn from Justin Bieber that no one cares what a white man has to say about race toward a black woman?! Go away and keep on releasing different songs that all sound the same.

    (You know what was redudant though? That “Thinking Out Loud” video. I swear the girl kept on doing the same three moves 😒)

  4. Tiffany says:

    SHUT….UP…..RIGHT….NOW!!!!!

  5. Elyse says:

    I honestly think Ed is in love with Taylor. He constantly is kissing her butt. I feel like he never shuts up about her, and is always mentioning her in interviews. the fact that he stood up to her in this situation proves to me that he’s trying to get in her good graces.

    • Aren says:

      Of course he likes her, and she likes to have his attention all to herself.
      She probably gives him the most minimum level of affection to keep him around, but no way would she ever date him.
      After this tweet, he comes across as really pathetic.

    • G says:

      I don’t believe he is into her that way at all. If you look at the girls he’s dated, Taylor is kind of the opposite of that. I think he is very grateful to her for her taking him on the RED tour with her. It helped him break America, and i also think he’s a very loyal friend in general. He has defended Harry Styles before too and seems to be all about helping his up and coming musician friends out.

      He is ASKED about Taylor a lot (more so than initiates talking about her), and he seems to be willing to answer any question so interviewers feel they can go there and have asked him straight up about dating her. He’s said neither are each others types and that he doesn’t think he could live the lifestyle that Taylor does – 24/7 paparazzi and security detail.

      I think Taylor genuinely cares about him too, and knows he’s a loyal friend.

      • Chica says:

        @G Stoppit with the sense, G! I don’t think they can handle it.

        I completely agree with your assessment, btw. Very sound and objective.

      • Elyse says:

        @Chica I can’t handle sense because I have a conflicting opinion than you and G? Please. I’m not a jeally h8ter because I think one celebrity has feelings for another. The horror! I’m such a meanie!

        @Wren Of course men and women can have strictly platonic friendships. Just because I believe one friendship suggests otherwise doesn’t mean every friendship is like that. I think Ed should have stayed out of it, because defending Taylor on this issue looks ridiculous and only cements my opinion that I’ve been thinking for years.

    • Mia V. says:

      He’s the guy who always befriend the hot girls for being “cute” while they date the hot guys. Taylor likes to keep him around, just like her “friends”.

    • Wren says:

      Why is it so difficult to believe they are actually, genuinely friends? Men and women can be platonic friends. Maybe he’s in love with her, maybe he truly just wants to stand up for an old and close friend. He probably feels like a lot of people don’t understand her position like he does and thus he feels the need (right or wrong) to say something.

  6. aha says:

    Dude’s entitled to an opinion. Oh ya – commenting guidelines – Pot – Kettle, nice!

  7. The Eternal Side-Eye says:

    This was probably when Taylor realized this was only going to make her look worse if she didn’t step in and try to squash it.

    I’m still kind of amazed she managed to misread Nicki’s comments that badly, as if she was the first slim singer ever to get an MTV award/nomination.

    • burnsie says:

      Same here, not that I follow VMA noms, but I really don’t see how Nicki was calling out Taylor specifically at all

  8. Talie says:

    Yeah, they all got in way over their heads. Although, as a Brit, Ed wouldn’t fully grasp the issues of race that permeate throughout America. So I won’t be too harsh with him…this time.

    • De says:

      I disagree. I’m not American, but I’m still able to recognise Nicki’s point.

    • FingerBinger says:

      There have been race issues in Britain. Don’t blame it on that.

    • Pandy says:

      I don’t think anyone understands all of the race issues in the US really. Very few people are every totally unbiased about an issue, so there’s always an element of personal feelings in most arguments.

    • nubiahbella says:

      Hahahahahahahahahaha British people pretending they do not understand race issues, the UK is way worst when it comes to Black artists ( and other issues pertaning to Black or Asian people for that matter ) Have you noticed how Brits only have White people making “Black music” when there are a myriad of talented Black artists. Ed Sheeran was named most influential artist in Black music last year in the UK LMAO.

    • Mispronounced Name Dropper says:

      They sure did get in over their heads. This is what happens when people weigh in on topics they haven’t researched properly.

  9. Bridget says:

    His song “Thinking Out Loud” is playing on all the elevators in hell.

    • Kitten says:

      LOL. I’ve never heard it and I only vaguely know who this guy is (from this site) but your description of his song is amazing.

      • FLORC says:

        Kitten
        Avoid it at all costs. Amaing you’ve avoided it so far.

      • Bridget says:

        “Thinking Out Loud” is tied with Justin Timberlake’s “Mirror” for being the most flaccid song in recent memory.

  10. Pinky says:

    What’s the difference between a clique and a gang? It’s certainly not the content of your character. Must be that other thing.

  11. Zapp Brannigan says:

    Gandalf come get your boy, please.

  12. Jessica says:

    Ugh, Nicki was NOT commenting on Taylor at any point before Taylor came along and inserted herself into the conversation. She was referencing Miley. Anyone who actually read all her tweets and looked at what she was favoriting and replying to can clearly see that.

    • Neah23 says:

      This + 1000. In the words of Carly Simon

      You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you
      You’re so vain, I’ll bet you think this song is about you
      Don’t you? don’t you?

    • MonicaQ says:

      Definitely a case of “if the shoe fits, wear that b*tch.”

    • coco says:

      WOOORRRRRKKKKKK!!!!!!

    • vilebody says:

      Oh please. There is no way her tweet wasn’t at least partially directed at Taylor. Nicki said that you will get a nomination if you celebrate slim female bodies. What was Bad Blood? Literally a parade of slim female bodies.

      That said, I agree with Nicki’s point. But let’s not pretend Taylor is crazy or suffering from a narcissistic disorder by taking it personally.

      • Tee says:

        If anyone should have been offended it was miley. So yeah sorry it absolutely proves that Taylor thinks everything is about her.

      • The Eternal Side-Eye says:

        Context is everything though.

        Nicki and Miley did their own versions of a song with a similar idea. Nicki and Miley both exposed some skin and twerked. Miley even followed up that song and video with another one where she hangs naked from a wrecking ball and licks a sledgehammer. Miley wins, Nicki doesn’t.

        Even before this whole thing blew up I remember being genuinely surprised Taylor jumped in and put herself as the target when it so clearly wasn’t about her.

      • FLORC says:

        I thought bad blood too, but there is far too much history of Miley over Taylor. And the way Taylor handled it from the 1st word was wrong.

  13. sunsetsnow says:

    Shut it, you little troll!

  14. Bea says:

    SHUT your mouth, white boy. Your opinion is the only redundant thing in this whole debacle.

  15. Naddie says:

    Now you wish you’d kept quiet, boy…

  16. Adrien says:

    Ed Sheeran’s career is redundant. We already have Jason Mraz

    • G says:

      except he just sold out 3 nights at Wembley (240,000+ people) and is playing Croke Park in Ireland tonight and tomorrow – (170,000+) – Jason Mraz, who?

      • ummm says:

        Jason Mraz sold out stadiums too.
        5 years ago.

      • Lauren II says:

        Ed was in London, Ontario Canada in April. Ed can rap, beat box,plus sing ballads, reggae, and funk. His range is phenomenonal. And Ed is a brilliant songwriter.
        A one man show that will blow your mind.

        My hubby was all “PPfffft” before he saw Ed live. Ed won him over too.
        Ed is so much more than “Thinking Out Loud”.

        Taylor and Ed are close platonic friends, and he is protective and loyal. More men should be like Ed.

        This twitter feud is immature and demented. Nicky M. has a good voice but her personality is sometimes hateful. Taylor should just STFU-her ego is out of control.

    • G says:

      He’s almost 40, Ed’s 24.

  17. MonicaQ says:

    I love how Buzzfeed went, “Um, so where did we mess up? /willy wonka face.”

    I know the Brits may not understand racism in America but him being part of Taylor’s gang (and I will use gang here, not clique, they just commit warfare of a different, high school kind) came back to bite them both in their non-existent butts.

    • nubiahbella says:

      The Brits understand very well racism in America, just look how they treat Black and other minority ethnics in the UK. How they prefer to promote White artists doing “Black music” over way more talented Black artist.

      • Lama Bean says:

        Didn’t Ed Sheeran just get named to some list of the most important act in black and urban music in the UK? I don’t get y’all over there. Please enlighten me.

  18. Jess says:

    I cannot stand his whiny music. He is an example of a famous and yes I admit talented even though his music isn’t my jam, musician who gets women way above his level due to his fame and not actual looks or personality. I say this as he called out and made a song about Ellie Golding cheating on him but then saying nevermind wasn’t her BUT if it was im over it and I’m cool with the dude who banged her?! Add this to another aspect of his ways…I knew a guy similar to him in college. Constantly hung around a very pretty girl who kept him firmly in the friendzone but would ALWAYS try to hook up with her friends when the were vulnerable(similar to Ed and Selena Gomez). Ugh either way he needs to sit down Shut up and make more sappy shitty songs. Hope the Taylor backlash continues tho..very deserving and gossip worthy!

    • G says:

      Actually Ed was in a very serious relationship with a chef who works for Jamie Oliver for 2 years up until recently, before that he dated a primary school teacher for 9 months. He may have had a fling with Ellie Goulding, but your assumption that he needs Taylor Swift to get him dates is hysterical.

  19. Tammy says:

    Who cares really? I want good gossip not this silly little twitter war

  20. Fabfib says:

    But like, seriously, who is Ed Sheehan?

  21. anne_000 says:

    If he were any kind of grown up, strong man, then he wouldn’t be stepping into a ‘girls’ fight’ (which is what Taylor made it to be when she stepped in on Nicki’s message).

    First he mentions race, then he says he didn’t say it, then he says he should have said it differently? Stick with one story, boy.

    Look Ed. Just as you think you have a right to discount and nullify Nicki’s opinions and feelings, she has a right to state it without you and your gal pal stepping in and attacking Nicki for making her opinion public. Ed, just shut up and let others live and think in peace. You’re not Nicki’s thought-police.

  22. Tee says:

    The prince of elevator music chimes in with his sophisticated point of view and surprise surprise his thoughts are actually as lame as his music.. At least Chris Martin ( the king of elevator music) is educated..

  23. Jess says:

    G,

    I did not know that as again I am NOT a fan so do not seek out information pertaining to his long term relationships. I only know what is shown in public and obviously gossip sites.

    I never said he was incapable of snagging a female or maintaining a relationship..i mean EVERYONE can find someone in reality. I was simply saying that Victoria secret models and celebrity females wouldnt give him a 2nd glance if not for his fame and swift friendship.

    But if you find him drool worthy and dream of him at night…i find that equally hysterical. Different strokes, different folks!

    • G says:

      I don’t know why you can’t just reply to me?

      So you are basically repeating yourself. I got you the first time, and your point is redundant seeing as how Ed has never dated VS models or celebs. He didn’t meet Ellie through Taylor Swift. FYI his break up was all over gossip sites

      And zzzzzzzzzzzz at your last comment

    • G says:

      aw, why? Nice to see somebody your own age?

  24. Skins says:

    I say let them fight. Its kind of entertaining. Maybe they will get into it at the VMA’s. It would be great for ratings

  25. L&Mmommy says:

    I think I have an Ed Sheeran problem. Just like those people that have a Benedict C problem. You know he’s hideous but there is something…

  26. Lucy says:

    You should have kept quiet, Ed. Look, I like him a great deal, which makes it easy for me to be biased. I doubt he meant wrong or that he has anything against Nicki, but this wasn’t his place to talk, at all (even if he wasn’t just trying to defend his friend. And yeah, I do believe their relationship is genuine).

  27. Emily C. says:

    I can’t stand any of his music, so I’m biased against him. I think his lyrics are incredibly shallow but pretending to be deep, and that drives me up the wall. So… yep, he made an idiot of himself, not a surprise. Can we have an Ed Sheeran backlash? Anything so that I don’t have to hear any of his songs ever again.

    • Remi says:

      I always thought his music is soooo cheesy and faux deep and he gets way too much praise considering all his songs sound the same and they give me headaches whenever I hear them in shops and restaurants. But there’s a surprisingly large audience for really cringe-worthy cheesy lyrics with a supposedly deep message and people eat this shit up even when it’s so shallow and mediocre. We’re just supposed to like him cause he’s a supposedly nice guy la la la la whatever. While people judge Nicki for being too out there I like her for being real and spot on most of the time. But people don’t get it that it’s a lot easier for people like Ed to write the same old shit all the time without taking any risks or speaking about any important social issues like Nicki.
      Ed is just another mediocre white guy who is not aware of his privilege and got really lucky. And I thought he was being really condescending in that reply as well but obviously he’s got to be kissing Taylor’s butt all damn time and he’s a white guy who can play guitar so he must know better than those silly women.

      • Lynnie says:

        I think a part of why his music is so popular is because people like to namedrop him, Sam Smith, John Mayer whenever they talk about what kind of music they like so they can appear “cultured.” There’s a whole market for mainstream seemingly unmainstream stuff lol.

  28. Rebecca says:

    Thank you for pointing out Taylor Swift’s faux feminism. I’m so tired of media constantly defending this immature woman. Katy Perry is right. She has made money off of pitting herself against other women (Katy Perry and Camilla Bell). She has no right to make the “it’s not like you to pit women against woman argument” with Nikki Minaj.

    I don’t understand how she keeps winning awards off of lyrics about ex-boyfriends and other women doing her wrong. If she could manage to write some deeper lyrics, I could see it. The only way she remains popular is by writing revenge lyrics for 12 year olds.

    I guess I can understand why Ed Sheeran would defend her. Didn’t he write a nasty sound about Ellie Goulding? They are “two peas in a pod.” Who was it who recently said the music industry promotes people like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift to make money from children? He was right.