Ellie Goulding defended Tom Grennan, but his comments indicate a larger problem

The 2023 BRIT Awards gave us some memorable moments, including Sam Smith’s red carpet look, Lizzo’s showstopping performance and when Harry Styles acknowledged his privilege. 

Sadly, Ellie Goulding and Tom Grennan’s awkward moment on stage has also stuck in our minds. Grennan commented on Goulding’s breasts when they were co-presenting the Best New Artist award on stage.

Gesturing at the wet look breast plate she was wearing, Grennan asked Goulding “I love what you’re doing – are they your real boobs?”. Sigh. She responded: “These are not, no, these aren’t mine – I wish. Mine are a lot further apart, sadly.” Realness.

Many viewers were left feeling awkward, uncomfortable, pained at Grennan’s comments, with one calling him an “atrocious little man” and another advising him to “rethink your banter”.

That said, Ellie Goulding was quick to make it clear that there was “no offence taken, no harm intended” and that Grennan was “100% an ally”.

Yesterday, she posted on Twitter: “A word on Brit/ tit gate … I was wearing a beautiful breastplate, thank you all for appreciating it 😉 My friend @Tom_Grennan is 100% an ally and we were having a bit of fun. No offence taken, no harm intended- and no other interpretations necessary x”.

Some viewers have suggested Goulding was “gritting her teeth” and bearing the comments to be polite. Or has she internalised enough misogyny that she didn’t see the problem? 

Regardless, when comments like these are made in public, it’s more difficult to hit back or communicate if you’re uncomfortable, due to the complete normalisation of women being objectified in this way. To speak out in that moment would not have been easy, had she wanted to.

Grennan posted an apology for his comments, explaining that the conversation had originated between himself and Goulding backstage as a joke.