Ed Sheeran has sought to distance himself from charity song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” days before the Band Aid track is due to be re-released.

Sheeran was among a host of stars who participated in an updated version of the track back in 2014, which raised funds for Ebola relief efforts. A decade later, the track has been mixed with the 2004 version and the original 1984 recording to mark Band Aid’s 40th anniversary. The latest incarnation will be released on November 25, with proceeds going to poverty and health causes across Africa.

However, following last week’s announcement of the new release, singer-songwriter Sheeran, 33, has stated that he did not grant permission for his voice to be used in the track, as he shared a post on social media explaining his altered stance on participating.

Sharing an Instagram Story post, Sheeran responded to a statement from England-born, Ghana-raised musician Fuse ODG, who said that he “refused to participate” in the 2014 recording because he “recognized the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.” Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran is pictured on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. The singer-songwriter has spoken out against his vocals being used in the new Bad Aid 40 rerecording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”—the charity…  Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images

“While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity,” wrote the “Antenna” hitmaker Fuse ODG, whose given name is Nana Richard Abiona.

“By showcasing dehumanizing imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership, discouraging meaningful engagement,” he added. “My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism.”

Responding, Sheeran wrote in a post of his own: “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.”

“A dec eloquently explained by @fuseodg,” he went on. “This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward looking one. Love to all.”

Newsweek has contacted a representative of Band Aid via email for comment.

Ed Sheeran's Instagram post On Sunday, Ed Sheeran took to his Instagram account to share a post regarding his evolving thoughts on the charity single. Ed Sheeran/Instagram

Bob Geldof originally organized and co-wrote the track with Midge Ure, with the plan to raise money for the famine that was in Ethiopia at the time. They were also behind the Live Aid concert that took place between the U.K. and U.S. in 1985.Geldof has spoken out in defense of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” which was the focus of an article published on Sunday by New Zealand’s 1 News.

The article charged that some of the lyrics “recycled many of the old Colonial tropes of Africa as a barren land requiring Western salvation.”

Responding to the characterization, Geldof hit back in a statement to the outlet: “This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands if not millions of people alive. In fact just today Band Aid has given hundreds of thousands of pounds to help those running from the mass slaughter in Sudan and enough cash to feed a further 8,000 children in the same affected areas of Ethiopia as 1984.

“Those exhausted women who weren’t raped and killed and their panicked children and any male over 10 who survived the massacres and those 8,000 Tigrayan children will sleep safer, warmer and cared for tonight because of that miraculous little record. We wish that it were other but it isn’t. ‘Colonial tropes’ my a**e.”