Ed Sheeran has lost nearly 100,000 Instagram followers amid escalating controversy surrounding the removal of Macklemore from his Loop Tour. The fallout began Monday when Macklemore announced he had been dropped from the remaining tour dates following pro-Palestine remarks made during a September 4 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
### Macklemore’s removal sparks backlash
The U.S. rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, called to “free Palestine” during his appearance at the stadium. After facing criticism for the on-stage comments, Macklemore confirmed this week he had been removed from the tour. In a lengthy statement, he alleged that New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft issued Sheeran an “ultimatium” that led to his departure.
Sheeran responded with his own statement denying personal involvement in the decision.
> “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me,” he said. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
### Social media reaction and follower loss
Data from HypeAuditor reveals Sheeran has lost almost 100,000 Instagram followers since the controversy erupted. Many remaining followers have flooded his posts with comments demanding “free Palestine” and criticizing the singer for “not choosing sides.”
### Support acts stage mass walkout
The controversy has triggered a cascade of withdrawals from Sheeran’s supporting performers. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, featured on the North American leg, announced his departure on Tuesday, September 15.
> “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said. “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.”
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> “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE.”
Finneas followed shortly after, declaring he would not participate in remaining tour dates.
> “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
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> “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Irish band Beoga and Danish pop group Lukas Graham subsequently announced their exits. Lukas Graham shared a statement on Instagram explaining their decision.
> “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them,” they wrote on Instagram. “I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates.”
