Ed Sheeran responds to 'Lazy Journalism' of Taylor Swift dating reports 

Singer admits to hooking up with members of her \'squad\'

Ed Sheeran has responded to tabloid speculation that he and Taylor Swift ever dated, hitting out at what he labels “lazy journalism”.

Sheeran toured with Swift as her opening act during her ‘Red’ tour in 2013. They have worked together since and remained close friends.

Speaking about relationship speculation, Sheeran told

: “I found that aspect quite lazy journalism. There wasn’t any truth to it whatsoever.”

The report does, however, state that Sheeran “hooked up with some of Swift’s famous friends”.

“Taylor’s world is celebrity,” Sheeran added of his experience touring with Swift, what he described as the “most amazing fucking tour in the world”.

He continued: “I was this 22-year-old awkward British kid going on tour with the biggest artist in America, who has all these famous mates. It was very easy… I would often find myself in situations just kind of waking up and looking over and being like, ‘How the fuck did that happen?\'”

Sheeran went on to defend Swift from the criticism she regularly faces: “She’s omnipresent because she’s the most famous woman in the world, so she can’t make the decision to not be in the press. I always stick up for Taylor.”

In the same interview, Sheeran announced that he is forming his own boy band and planning a movie and soundtrack.

Following the release of his new album ‘÷’, Sheeran has announced a North American tour and responded to Glastonbury rumours.