Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber’s new single I Don’t Care was well received upon its May 10 release, with fans liking the catchy melody and focus on mental health issues.
However, some have noticed striking similarities between this track and one released by Cheryl – then known as Cheryl Cole – in 2014.
The two songs – which even share the same name – have a remarkably similar chorus, and some fans have even accused the duo of plagiarizing their new track.
One person mused:
I know it’s the same title but does anyone else think the new Ed Sheeran/Bieber song sounds rather like @CherylOfficial ‘I Don’t Care’ ?!? Hmmmmmmm…. #IDontCare
Another said:
Wtf happened to Ed Sheeran? Chorus is a rip off of I don’t Care by Cheryl.
Others have even been tweeting at Cheryl herself, advising her to take legal action.
I Don’t Care marks Sheeran and Bieber’s third musical collaboration. They have previously joined forces for Bieber’s Love Yourself and Major Lazer’s Cold Water.
You can listen to Sheeran and Bieber’s latest track for yourself below:
Remind yourself of Cheryl’s 2014 hit with the following clip:
Sheeran has previously been accused of plagiarism with his track Thinking Out Loud, with people noticing similarities to Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On.
A US jury will decide whether Sheeran plagiarised Gaye’s song or not later this year.
The Shape Of You singer denied claims he ripped off legend Marvin Gaye but did previously have to pay $20 million to songwriters Thomas Leonard and Martin Harrington who claimed Sheeran’s Photograph had a similar structure to their song Amazing.
Sheeran will be hoping Cheryl won’t be taking legal action given his track record.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.