Copyright trial

Ed Sheeran appears in NYC court for start of copyright trial

Heirs of Gaye's co-writer, Ed Townsend, argue that Sheeran, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Publishing owe them money for allegedly stealing the song.

As the case opened, a lawyer called Sheerin's use of Gaye's lyrics at his concerts a "smoking gun".

The Grammy winner, 32, testified that he did not copy from Gaye's 1973 hit.

Asked by lawyer Keisha Rice about another song he wrote, Take it Back, which contains the lyrics "plagiarism is hidden", Sheeran confirmed that he had written the words.

Ed Sheeran awaits verdict in 'traumatising' Shape of You copyright trial

The star has been accused of copying part of the song from another artist.

In closing arguments, grime artist Sami Chokri's barrister said there was an "indisputable similarity between the works". But Mr Sheeran's lawyer said the case against him was "so strained as to be logically unintelligible".

Mr Justice Zacaroli said he would "take some time to consider my judgment".

The 11-day trial ended on Tuesday. Ian Mill QC, representing Mr Sheeran, said it had been "deeply traumatising" for the star and his co-writers, Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac.

Ed Sheeran copyright trial: Songwriter says he 'feels robbed'

Sami Chokri says he was hurt by the tone of Sheeran's lawyers' emails after he noticed similarities between his song Oh Why and Sheeran's Shape Of You.

"I feel like I've been robbed by someone I respect, or respected," he told the court.

"This is years of a cloud over my head. All I heard and read was emails belittling me and my questions."

He continued: "All I wanted to do was ask for an explanation. If I'd had one we wouldn't have had to go through with this rubbish."

He later called the trial "the most horrible few weeks of my life".