Why this photo of Beyonce and Ed Sheeran has triggered a huge debate about sexism.

Ed Sheeran is a superstar. And Beyonce is… well, she’s Beyonce.

So when the two appear on stage together you know it’s big moment.

A moment so big you’d probably want to dress for the occasion. ¯\_㋡_/¯

The pair performed their song Perfect, which Ed wrote for his fiancé (or wife? It’s all very confusing) Cherry Seaborn, together at a festival in South Africa at the weekend.

And while yeah, cool, we bet they sounded great, it is their uh… mismatched outfits that got everyone talking.

Beyonce, as we’ve established, is Beyonce. Which means she is going to BRING IT.

She appeared on stage in a very extravagant, very frilly fuchsia dress and obviously she looked fierce.

Ed on the other hand… Looked exactly like Ed Sheeran. Which means he wore jeans and a t-shirt.

In fact, we imagine his wardrobe to look like that of a cartoon character.

The disparity between the two stars was so stark it was almost a caricature.

Beyonce represents the most dramatic, most glam representation of femininity. Ed represents the complete opposite.

And seeing these two extremes next to each other on stage has lead people to discuss the different clothing expectations put on men and women.

Ed Sheeran is a 27 year old man the fact we’ve enabled him to feel it’s ok to dress like this at all, let alone next to Beyoncé really boils my piss pic.twitter.com/Q6XqgTFuvQ

— shon faye. (@shonfaye) December 4, 2018

I get that this is his vibe? And he was performing his own set previously? But also maybe they should put him in prison for this?https://t.co/H7aJlEsIKc

— R. Eric Thomas (@oureric) December 4, 2018

This photo is v v v v representative of what we expect from men and women at the top of their game, isn't it? https://t.co/cfeLw8n1aI

— Daniel (@sillyolddaniel) December 4, 2018

The other side of the debate pointed out that both Beyonce and Ed stayed true to themselves in their on stage outfits and honestly, people should be free to wear whatever they like.

Not saying there isn't a double standard when it comes to men and women and how they're expected to dress...

But y'all really choosing Beyonce and Ed Sheeran as examples? The most extra and least extra musicians of our time? Chill out. pic.twitter.com/JZFtSKlbta

— Andrew (@laptop_lasane) December 4, 2018

We expect Beyoncé to dress like this because she’s BEYONCÉ. We also expect Ed sheeran to dress like a dorky college kid because it’s his brand. It has nothing to do with gender roles. Chill. https://t.co/L2lyb0ZDhB

— Dani ♡ (@nothinglikedani) December 4, 2018

BEYONCÉ CAN DRESS HOWEVER SHE WANTS. SHE HAS THE POWER OF CHOICE AND SHE EXERCISES IT.

ED SHEERAN CAN DRESS HOWEVER HE WANTS. HE HAS THE POWER OF CHOICE AND HE EXERCISES IT.

ARTISTS HAVE AGENCY, AND WILL PRESENT THEMSELVES HOW THEY WISH.

— Infinthony FanTHANOS (@theneedledrop) December 4, 2018

Regardless, the performance has started a conversation about the pressure women feel to dress up - not just when they're performing in front of thousands of people - but when they're going out for the night or heading to work.

Lisa Heinze, an honorary associate in department of gender and cultural studies at University of Sydney, told the Daily Telegraph people don't need to be pop stars to feel gender differences between dress requirements.

"In many professions women feel as if they need to dress up to be taken seriously or demonstrate they are successful, whereas there is less pressure for men," she said.

And hey, if Ed Sheeran ever does decide to chuck on something a little fancy there is no doubt he will look great:

.@AndyPiluk let’s give the people what they want! #edsheeran #beyonce pic.twitter.com/hh0u9RYWvg

— The Sports Girl (@SportsGirlTO) December 4, 2018

What do you think about Ed and Beyonce's outfits? Do you think there is a gender imbalance? Let us know in the comments. 

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