Ed Sheeran Podcast Fallout: Mamamia Insider Points to Larger Company Issues
Backlash over a podcast episode discussing Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour has led to subscriber cancellations and accusations of censorship.
Mamamia, an Australian media company, is facing significant backlash following a podcast episode that discussed rapper Macklemore's removal as an opener for Ed Sheeran's tour after his pro-Palestinian speech. Subscribers are reportedly cancelling, and members of the company's online community, known as 'OutLouders,' claim to have been removed from private Facebook groups. A Mamamia insider suggested that the controversy highlights deeper issues within the company, stating, 'When Mia is deeply involved, disasters like this happen.'
Macklemore was removed from the tour after a US stadium owner reportedly threatened to ban him from venues following a speech made on September 4. The podcast hosts, including Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens, and Holly Wainwright, discussed the incident. Listeners criticized Freedman for what they perceived as focusing too much on her own feelings as a Jewish woman and for appearing to take a stance against Macklemore. Stephens and Wainwright reportedly questioned whether celebrities should engage in political commentary.
The episode sparked a strong reaction, with many commenters expressing disappointment and announcing their intention to unsubscribe. One listener stated, 'One 'deeply disappointed' long-time listener said they would be unsubscribing.' Mamamia has reportedly turned off comments on social media posts related to the podcast episode.
Allegations of censorship have also surfaced. One Reddit user reported being removed from the 'OutLouders' Facebook group after posting a comment agreeing with the criticism of the podcast episode and stating their intention to unsubscribe. 'I commented on a post in the Facebook group agreeing [with] how disappointing it was and that I would be unsubscribing. Ten minutes later, I think I've been booted from the group because I can no longer search for it,' the user wrote. Another member of the group mentioned having 'recently unsubscribed too.'
Macklemore himself commented on the situation, expressing hope that the disagreement would not harm his thirteen-year friendship with Ed Sheeran. He stated, 'I hope this isn't the end of my relationship with Ed. Thirteen years of friendship doesn't disappear because of one painful disagreement.'
Ed Sheeran later appeared on stage alone, after his band and other support acts reportedly walked out in solidarity with Macklemore. He delivered a speech addressing the controversy.