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Ed Sheeran: Abuse 'definitely happening' in music industry as well as Hollywood

Ed Sheeran has told Sky News he believes sexual abuse and harassment is "definitely happening" in the music industry, as well as in Hollywood.

In the wake of allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein, the 26-year-old singer said that, while he had not "come across it" himself, he believes the music industry also suffers from the problem.

"I think it's definitely a thing that happens in both industries," he said.

Speaking about the #MeToo social media campaign, Sheeran said: "I think it's dreadful that this stuff wasn't talked about before. It's nice that it is being brought to light now."

Sheeran spoke to Sky News on Wednesday, ahead of the Q Awards - where he went on to win the best act in the world today award.

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Singer Paloma Faith, who was also at the event, told Sky News she would "absolutely not be surprised" if sexual harassment stories came out from inside the music industry.

"I know it happens," she said. "I think it's evident that the industry is a sexist industry - when you look at a video by a male artist versus a video by a female artist."

Meanwhile, former US girl band The Pussycat Dolls have insisted they were never in a "prostitution ring" following allegations by former member Kaya Jones.

"I wasn't in a girl group, I was in a prostitution ring," Jones said on Twitter last week.

"Oh & we happened to sing & be famous. While everyone who owned us made the money."

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The group issued a statement on Wednesday calling Jones' allegations "false" and encouraging her to "get the help she needs".

"To liken our professional roles in The Pussycat Dolls to a prostitution ring not only undermines everything we worked hard to achieve for all those years but also takes the spotlight off the millions of victims who are speaking up and being heard loud and clear around the world," the group said.

"While we were not aware of Kaya's experiences that allegedly took place during her short time working with us, before the group signed a recording contract, we can firmly testify that we were not privy to any misconduct taking place around us."