Ed Sheeran testifies in 'Let's Get It On' copyright suit

Ed Sheeran walks into Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in New York. (Courtesy/AP)

Ed Sheeran took the witness stand in a New York courtroom Tuesday to deny allegations that his hit song "Thinking Out Loud" ripped off Marvin Gaye's soul classic "Let's Get It On."

Sheeran, 32, was called to testify in the civil trial by the heirs of Ed Townsend, Gaye's co-writer on the 1973 soul classic. The family has accused the English star of violating their copyright, claiming his 2014 hit bore "striking similarities" and "overt common elements" to the famed Gaye track.