Ed Sheeran is facing renewed criticism after an old clip in which he compared British and American attitudes toward alcohol resurfaced online.
The singer argued that drinking habits Americans might describe as alcoholism are often treated as ordinary social behavior in Britain.
Some viewers accused Sheeran of minimizing alcohol dependency, while others said he was making a humorous observation about cultural differences rather than attempting to provide a medical definition.
Sheeran made them during a June 25, 2024, episode of Theo Von’s This Past Weekend.
Sheeran Said Britain Treats Drinking as Part of Everyday Culture
Sheeran said that, within his own friendship group, meeting for one or two pints after work was common. He contrasted that with what he had observed at some American sports bars, where he believed customers were more likely to treat drinking as a specific event intended to end in intoxication.
Sheeran also said “people take it too far here as well,” but argued that alcohol is more routinely woven into social occasions across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. “It’s not alcoholism to drink every day here,” Sheeran said before describing frequent drinking as part of the culture.
He distinguished an invitation from a friend to meet for a beer from waking up with an urgent need to drink. Sheeran also described a heavier Friday night involving several pints, wine and shots.
Critics Say Common Behavior Can Still Be Harmful
Some social media users accused Sheeran of confusing cultural acceptance with medical safety. Others objected to the word “alcoholism” being used casually when dependency can affect a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, employment and relationships.
Several viewers defended Sheeran, noting that he was describing how drinking is perceived rather than claiming that British people cannot develop alcohol-related problems.
Sheeran Later Said He Had Gone Fully Sober
Earlier in the same 2024 interview, he said becoming a father had dramatically reduced his partying. Sheeran explained that he had stopped drinking spirits, smoking and staying out until sunrise, although he still drank wine or one or two beers at that time.
In a 2025 profile, Time reported that Sheeran had recently decided to become fully sober after years of binge drinking. Sheeran has previously discussed unhealthy behavior during difficult periods of his life, including the grief that followed the death of his close friend Jamal Edwards and the stress surrounding his wife Cherry Seaborn’s health struggles.
Alcohol Use Disorder Is Not Diagnosed by Frequency Alone
Medical professionals generally use the term alcohol use disorder rather than “alcoholism.” The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines the condition as an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative social, occupational or health consequences.
Drinking every day does not, by itself, establish that someone has alcohol use disorder. Frequency and quantity can still increase health risks, however, and may form part of a larger pattern that warrants attention. Recognized warning signs include repeatedly consuming more alcohol than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, experiencing strong cravings and continuing to drink despite problems at work, at home or in relationships.
Addiction specialists responding to the controversy told the New York Post that two people can consume similar amounts while experiencing very different consequences.