Ed Sheeran says South Park ginger episode 'f***ing ruined' his life

South Park isn't scared about pushing the boundaries with it's jokes.

The creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have an incredible ability to turn current affairs into a comedy sketch which somehow fits in with the four iconic characters Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick.

But when it's a bit of a slow news cycle, the pair often take it back to our playground days.

However, many - such as Ed Sheeran - felt a certain way after watching an episode of the ninth season of South Park in November 2005, which featured an episode revolving around people with ginger hair.

Although the singer admits he is a 'big fan' of the show, he said that the episode 'f***ing ruined' his life.

To be fair, the content of the 'Ginger Kids' episode didn't exactly put gingers in the best stead.

Eric believes he has been struck down with ‘gingervitis' after Stan and Kyle give him a makeover in his sleep which involved hair dye, bleach and henna.

He initially refers to carrying the ginger gene as a ‘curse’ after being ridiculed for the shade of his barnet, but later decides to unite all the ginger kids everywhere to put a stop to the teasing and effectively take over the world.

Comedy Central

The South Park episode perpetuates a lot of stereotypes about redheads - such as that they 'have no soul', have to 'stay out of the sun' and are 'like vampires'.

Although the message of it was to try and show how ridiculous teasing people for the colour of their hair is, a lot of viewers misunderstood it and it is rumoured to have inspired the infamous 'National Kick a Ginger Day' event.

Sheeran said that he had gotten through years of taunts growing up in the UK for his iconic ginger hair and was able to get some peace from it in the States.

During an appearance on Slam Radio in January 2022, he explained: "Having red hair in England was always a thing that people took the p*** out of you for. But it was never something in America. People never knew what a ginger was in America.

"That episode of South Park f***ing ruined my life. I was going to America and everyone was like, ‘I love your hair dude.’ "And I was like, ‘Oh my God, people like my hair?’

"And then I remember that episode coming out and that was just it worldwide for the rest of my life."

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But Sheeran did go on to say that he’s got no hard feelings against the cartoon and even said he’d love to voice a character one day.

The pop star is such a huge fan of the show that he even visited Casa Bonita during a trip to Denver, Colorado, last year.

He even referenced the 'Ginger Kids' episode in his Instagram caption when he posted a snap of him and a pal outside of the entertainment-focused restaurant which the South Park creators now actually own.

It read: "When in Colorado, Casa Bonita is a must. Gingers do have souls, alright??"

Topics: Ed Sheeran, South Park, Celebrity, TV and Film

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_