**Bob Geldof Defends Band Aid Charity Single Amid Ed Sheeran's Criticism**

Bob Geldof recently defended the Band Aid charity single against recent criticisms, notably from Ed Sheeran. The charity effort, which will see its 40th anniversary on Monday, originally featured many of the UK’s top pop stars and a few international artists who came together to record "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in response to a BBC news report highlighting the famine in Ethiopia. The record initially raised £8 million ($10 million), leading Geldof to establish the Band Aid Charitable Trust, which has since raised over £140 million ($175 million).

In celebration of this milestone, a new remix of the iconic single is set for release tomorrow. This version will include various artists from subsequent releases, such as Ed Sheeran, who performed on the 2014 edition along with One Direction and Rita Ora. However, Sheeran voiced his discontent earlier this week, noting that he had not been consulted about the remix and affirming that he would have refused participation. His stance echoed a reposted statement by rapper Fuse ODG, who argued that the song propagates outdated and misleading stereotypes about poverty in Africa.

Geldof, speaking to The Times of London over the weekend, pushed back against what he termed "abstract wealthy-world arguments.” He emphasized that the charity’s funds have had a tangible impact, providing sustenance for millions of people who are still starving. Geldof stated, "This little pop song has kept millions of people alive. Why would Band Aid scrap feeding thousands of children dependent on us for a meal? Because of an abstract wealthy-world argument, regardless of its legitimacy? No abstract theory should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality. There are 600 million hungry people in the world - 300 million are in Africa. We wish it were other but it is not. We can help some of them. That's what we will continue to do."

Amidst the criticism, Geldof remains steadfast in his commitment to using the platform and the funds generated by the Band Aid effort to combat hunger and support those in need.