British pop star Ellie Goulding is frustrated with the constant dating rumours surrounding her, and insists female musicians are often defined by who they are romancing.
Goulding is currently in a relationship with McFly's Dougie Poynter, but in the past, she has been linked to One Direction star Niall Horanand singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran.
In a new interview with Elle UK, Goulding clears the air about her past flings and points out that her love life is often more widely-discussed than her music.
"I did go on a few dates with Niall but I was never in a relationship with Ed. I have absolutely no idea where that came from and why it was turned into such a big thing. I find it so frustrating that female musicians are constantly defined by the men they have or haven't dated.
Gal pals Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding. Photo / Getty Images
"It's something I've talked about with Taylor Swift a lot. She definitely feels that. She gets bothered by it. It's like, you can be a great artist, you can write great songs, but the thing that everyone is going to talk about is some relationship they think you have had or not had. It's definitely something we both think happens to female artists over male artists."
That said, Goulding is extremely content in her relationship with Pointer, and says she has high hopes of a very long future together.
Dougie Poynter and Ellie Goulding. Photo / Getty Images
"He's been through a lot, and he has a quiet depth that I love. When I was a teenager, I fancied him but I thought he was so out of my league. Way too good-looking for me. (DJ) Calvin Harris has already offered to play at our wedding. Not that we've organised one. But the offer has been made."
