Grammy-winning singer Ed Sheeran is looking back on one of his most talked-about TV moments: his cameo in Game of Thrones. The pop star admitted that the appearance “ruffled some feathers” among fans of the fantasy series.
Speaking on Benny Blanco’s podcast Friends Keep Secrets, Sheeran, 35, acknowledged the criticism but explained why he took the role. “I feel like I definitely ruffled some feathers being in Game of Thrones,” he said.
Despite the backlash, Sheeran emphasized that most people would have jumped at the chance to appear on the global hit series. “People love that show. If anyone gets asked to be in that show, it’s an instant yes. I said yes. I enjoyed doing it,” he explained.
Sheeran also pointed out that celebrity cameos were not uncommon, citing appearances by musicians like Will Champion and Chris Stapleton.
The British star briefly appeared in season seven as a Lannister soldier singing around a campfire while Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) traveled toward King’s Landing. The short scene quickly went viral, though many viewers felt his presence disrupted the immersive world of Westeros.
Reflecting on the reaction, Sheeran believes it was partly due to his high visibility at the time, following the release of his blockbuster album Divide and the global hit Shape of You. “I think at the time I was very omnipresent and just everywhere. So, I think it was quite jarring,” he said.