Ed Sheeran Loses 200,000 Followers as All Opening Acts Withdraw Amid 'Free Palestine' Controversy

Ed Sheeran has seen a significant drop in his Instagram following, losing 200,000 followers in a 24-hour period, as all remaining opening acts for his tour have withdrawn. This development follows rapper Macklemore's removal from the tour dates due to a "Free Palestine" speech delivered during his performances.

Macklemore was scheduled to open for Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten shows on the American leg of the "Loop Tour." However, it was announced on Tuesday that he had been dropped. Subsequently, Sheeran's other support acts—Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga—have all announced their withdrawal from the tour, citing solidarity with Palestine and their refusal to perform in venues that they feel silence advocacy for the cause.

Sheeran addressed the situation in a statement, noting that his audience comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds who do not expect his concerts to be a political forum. He explained that while Macklemore's performances in New Jersey led to venues threatening to "pull the shows" if he remained on the lineup, the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by Sheeran himself. He stated that he attempted to find a resolution but was unsuccessful and that he would not cancel the tour dates, as it would let down fans and his touring crew.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, claimed in an Instagram statement that Robert Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group and owner of Gillette Stadium, had rallied stadium owners and issued an ultimatum: if Macklemore continued, Sheeran would not be allowed to perform in their venues. Kraft, however, defended his decision, stating that Macklemore "crossed a line" and that Gillette Stadium has a commitment to providing a welcoming environment, adding that the rapper's "actions, material shared from the stage... and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" were deeply offensive to the Jewish community.

Finneas, in his statement, declared, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people." Irish singer Aaron Rowe stated, "But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," adding that he "cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up." Lukas Graham and the Irish band Beoga also released statements expressing similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against war and the killing of civilians.

Myles Smith, while confirming his withdrawal, voiced support for Sheeran, emphasizing that "Supporting Palestinian life, safety and freedom does not require me to betray someone I know to be a good human being." He highlighted his background, which includes working with Holocaust survivors and having Muslim friends, stating that neither experience taught him to "sit on the fence."

Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5 included a "Free Palestine" speech and the performance of his song "Hind's Hall," which criticizes actions in Gaza, with footage of Gaza displayed on the screen behind him. Macklemore stated that his message was for peace and that criticism of Israel or apartheid is not a criticism of Jewish people. In 2014, Macklemore apologized for a past controversy involving a perceived anti-Semitic caricature.

The ongoing situation leaves Sheeran's tour with no opening acts scheduled for its remaining 18 dates.