Ed Sheeran has publicly declined support for the 40th anniversary version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" where his vocals from the 2014 version were reused without his approval. The statement comes as the charitable song faces renewed criticism over its portrayal of Africa.

The new release combines Sheeran's vocals from the 30th anniversary edition with Sting's original 1984 performance. The original Band Aid single, organized by Bob Geldof, has raised $10 million for Ethiopian famine relief over its 40-year history.

British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG has criticized the song for promoting harmful stereotypes about Africa. He argues these narratives hurt the continent's economic growth, tourism, and investment potential. In response, Fuse ODG released his own track titled "We Know It's Christmas," pledging proceeds to local African projects.

Bob Geldof defended the original song, stating: "These are not 'colonial tropes' they are empirical facts. Climate change affects the poorest first and worst. War exacerbates these conditions. This little pop song has kept millions of people alive."

The 2014 version featured performances by notable artists including Coldplay, Sinead O'Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction, and Rita Ora alongside Ed Sheeran.

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