Katseye Unfollows Ed Sheeran Amid Tour Controversy Over Palestine Remarks

Members of the music group Katseye have unfollowed Ed Sheeran on Instagram, a move that comes days after rapper Macklemore announced his removal from Sheeran's tour due to pro-Palestine remarks. The decision by Katseye members Megan Skiendiel, Manon Bannerman, Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia LaForteza, and Lara Raj not to follow Sheeran was noticed by fans this week.

Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel have also reportedly liked a post by Macklemore detailing his removal from the tour, with Raj reportedly beginning to follow Macklemore on Instagram. These actions have fueled speculation among fans that Katseye may also be distancing themselves from Sheeran on a larger scale.

Sheeran co-wrote Katseye's single "Animal," released in July, and had reached out to the group to collaborate after their song "Gnarly." Social media users are urging Katseye to sever all ties with Sheeran, with some calling to stop streaming "Animal" because Sheeran is credited as a songwriter. There is also speculation that Katseye might remove "Animal" from their setlist during the Wild World Tour.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has stated he will not curtail his pro-Palestinian activism. He accused New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft of conspiring with stadium owners to have him removed from Sheeran's tour and challenged the billionaire to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian aid organizations. Shortly after Macklemore's announcement, Kraft stated his company planned to match a $2 million donation from Sheeran.

Macklemore announced he would donate his net earnings from Sheeran's tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians: Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and UNRWA USA. In a statement, Macklemore emphasized that the focus should remain on the Palestinian people and their right to freedom, dignity, and safety.

The rapper's removal from the tour followed politically charged speeches he made in support of Palestinians during his performances at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. Following Macklemore's departure, all of Sheeran's remaining opening acts, including Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, announced their withdrawal from the tour.

Sheeran addressed Macklemore's removal, stating that venues communicated they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup. He reiterated his stance of not taking public political stances and assured fans that the tour would continue as planned. Sheeran expressed being "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," calling the suffering on both sides a "human tragedy."

Robert Kraft defended his decision, citing Gillette Stadium's commitment to a welcoming environment and stating that Macklemore's actions and rhetoric crossed a line. The promoter for the tour's American leg, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues indicated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, leading to his removal to avoid tour cancellations.

Macklemore performed his song "Hind's Hall" during his New Jersey shows, which features footage of Gaza and criticizes actions in Gaza. Proceeds from the song go towards humanitarian efforts by UNRWA. During his performances, Macklemore explicitly called for "Free Palestine" and expressed solidarity with various groups and individuals advocating for Palestinian liberation.

This situation is the latest in a series of events surrounding political statements made by artists during large-scale tours. Macklemore previously apologized in 2014 for an incident involving an anti-Semitic caricature disguise.