Ed Sheeran says he would have "respectfully declined" to have his vocals included in the new remix of Band-Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas" has he been asked for permission.
Sheeran sang on the 2014 version of the track, and this new remix puts together vocals from that version, the one released on 2004 and the 1984 original.
Sheeran posted on his Instagram story that “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release. Had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals. A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed."
Sheeran pointed to a post by English singer/rapper Fuse ODG, who said that efforts like Band-Aid "may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.”
The remix will be out on streaming November 25th, with physical copies out on November 29th.