Ellie Goulding calls Tom Grennan ‘an ally’ after he sparks backlash over comments about her breasts at the Brits
Viewers called Grennan’s question to Goulding ‘super weird, uncomfortable and creepy’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ellie Goulding has defended Tom Grennan after the singer was criticised over an “awkward” and “inappropriate” question he asked Goulding at the Brits, for which he has also apologised.
The 2023 Brit Awards, hosted by Mo Gilligan, took place on Saturday night (11 February) at London’s O2 Arena.
Among the big winners of the night were Harry Styles – who won in all four of his nominated categories, including Best Album and Artist of the Year – and Wet Leg.
You can find the biggest talking points from the awards ceremony here, and the full list of winners here.
Goulding, 36, and Grennan, 27, presented the award for Best New Artist together.
Appearing on stage, Grennan asked: “Don’t I look good next to Ellie Goulding?”
Gesturing to the singer’s outfit, he said: “I love what you’re doing. Are they your real boobs?” Goulding was wearing a black top that was designed to appear sculpted to her chest.
“No, these are not,” replied the “Burn” singer who fans thought looked “uncomfortable” at the question.
She quipped: “I wish. Mine are a lot further apart. Sadly.” Grennan then apologised.
Grennan was criticised for his question by viewers on social media.
“Did this guy just ask Ellie Goulding if those are her real boobs?” questioned one person. Another added: “Did Tom Grennan just ask Ellie Goulding if they were her real boobs?! What the actual f***.”
“Tom Grennan asking Ellie Goulding about her boobs,” said a third person. “It’s such a car crash.”
Goulding has since posted on Twitter addressing the incident. The singer wrote: “A word on Brit/tit gate...I was wearing a beatufiul breastplate, thank you all for appreciating it ;)
“My friend Tom Grennan is 100% an ally and we were having a bit of fun. No offence taken, no harm intended – and no other interpretations necessary x.”
Grennan later reposted Goulding’s response, and apologised.
He wrote: “What started as a joke between Ellie and I before we went on stage came out all wrong.”
“The nerves got the better of us, but that does not excuse what was said, and I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended – that’s not me at all, and I am sorry.”
Catch up on what happened at the Brits here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments