SNL UK Mocks Ed Sheeran Fans Amid Macklemore Controversy
Comedians target Sheeran's fanbase after opener Macklemore's removal from tour for political remarks.
“Saturday Night Live UK” has lampooned fans of Ed Sheeran following the controversy surrounding his tour opener, Macklemore. The comedian Ania Magliano, during the show's "Weekend Update" segment, directed sharp criticism at Sheeran's fanbase in the wake of Macklemore being removed from the tour.
Macklemore was reportedly barred from performing at Gillette Stadium, owned by Robert Kraft, after he made on-stage comments critical of Israel. Magliano quipped about the potential impact on Sheeran's tour, stating, “Will Sheeran have to cancel the tour? There’s a very real risk that he won’t.” She further jested that the situation was the most serious crisis for Sheeran's fans since “their head injury.”
SNL UK referred to Macklemore as the “good guy with bad music” before detailing his removal. The controversy escalated when Macklemore led chants of “Free Palestine” during his performance, which led to Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, banning the rapper from his venue. Kraft had previously stated that Macklemore's performance spread divisiveness and hate.
The satirical program also targeted Kraft, with comedian Paddy Young referencing his past legal issues, including prostitution solicitation charges from 2019. Young also made a reference to Kraft's alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
In another sketch, a comedic jab was made at Sheeran himself, with a visual gag suggesting he was "looking at both sides of the issue" by appearing cross-eyed.