British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran lost nearly half a million Instagram followers in one week following the removal of his US tour opening act, Macklemore, according to Social Blade data cited by The Independent. The backlash intensified after Macklemore claimed stadium owner Robert Kraft forced his removal over pro-Palestine remarks, triggering a cascade of support-act withdrawals and fierce public debate.
Tour Fallout and the Macklemore Controversy
The controversy began when Macklemore was dropped from the Loop tour following pro-Palestine comments made on stage during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. Macklemore claimed that Robert Kraft – the CEO of Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium – personally called Sheeran to say he would not be allowed to perform at the venue, while Sheeran subsequently stated that it was “the promoter’s decision” to remove Macklemore and that he would not be drawn into public debates regarding the Gaza war, noting his young audience does not expect political forums at his shows.
Support Acts Withdraw From the Loop Tour
In response to Macklemore’s removal, all remaining opening acts withdrew from the US tour. Finneas, brother of pop star Billie Eilish, announced his departure by stating, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Additional withdrawals came from Sheeran’s close friend Myles Smith, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish pop band Lukas Graham, and Irish folk band Beoga, who also served as Sheeran’s backing band. Rowe cited his Irish background, stating, “We know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”
Did you know? According to Social Blade statistics reported by The Independent, Sheeran’s Instagram account lost roughly 150,000 followers on September 15 alone, the day he first addressed the tour changes. His follower count dropped from 47.6 million down to 47.2 million within a single week.
Sheeran Addresses Fans in Philadelphia
Amid growing protests outside venues and ticket-cancellation attempts by fans, Sheeran addressed the controversy directly during his September 19 show in Philadelphia by reading a prepared statement from a teleprompter, as detailed by The Independent. “I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes,” Sheeran told the crowd. “I’m so, so sorry. I don’t want to disappoint fans.” He continued by describing the events of October 7 in Israel as horrific and calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable.”
Public Reactions and Industry Responses
The fallout drew commentary from fellow musicians and entertainment programs. Sting told outlets that Sheeran was facing “a difficult dilemma,” while Welsh singer Charlotte Church criticized Sheeran on stage for choosing “consumerism and capitalism” over “doing the right thing,” according to The Independent’s coverage.
Kraft acknowledged that Sheeran asked him to match a separate $2 million donation made by Sheeran himself, stating that he and the singer planned to work together to build bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was removed from the Loop tour following pro-Palestine statements he made on stage during US concerts, which reportedly upset venue owners.
Which support acts withdrew from the Loop tour?
Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga all withdrew from their scheduled tour dates following Macklemore’s removal.
How many Instagram followers did Ed Sheeran lose?
According to Social Blade data, Sheeran lost nearly half a million Instagram followers in one week, bringing his total down from 47.6 million to 47.2 million.
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