Sheeran loses 200k followers in 24 hours

Ed Sheeran's Instagram dropped from 47.6 million to 47.3 million followers after he removed rapper Macklemore from his US tour. Fans criticized the decision as Macklemore had delivered pro-Palestine speeches at New Jersey shows.

Macklemore dropped after Palestine speech

Macklemore was set to open eight of ten remaining shows on Sheeran's Loop Tour but was removed after his September 4-5 performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he shouted 'Free Palestine' and performed his song Hind's Hall with Gaza footage.

“Free Palestine. I said, Free Palestine!”

All four remaining openers quit in protest

Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga all released statements withdrawing from the tour within 24 hours of Macklemore's removal. Each cited their refusal to perform at venues that silence voices speaking for Palestine.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

Finneas leads the exodus

Billie Eilish's brother Finneas wrote that artists must not be silenced when speaking for the oppressed. He announced his withdrawal and stated he stands with Palestine and its people.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

Aaron Rowe invokes Irish history

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe said his heritage taught him about genocide and forced occupation. He refused to allow billionaires to use their power to silence voices speaking up for the oppressed.

“As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”

Lukas Graham cites free speech values

The Danish pop band said their upbringing in a small community made speaking your mind part of everyday life. They wrote that having more money doesn't invalidate one's opinions about war and civilian suffering.

“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up.”

Beoga quits despite decade-long friendship

The Irish folk band, who perform with Sheeran on stage during Galway Girl, said playing venues that silence Free Palestine advocates is not an option. They noted over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire.

“Playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”

Myles Smith defends Sheeran while supporting Palestine

Sheeran's close friend Myles Smith withdrew from the tour but emphasized Ed is not the perpetrator and Palestinians are the victims. He said supporting Palestinian freedom doesn't require betraying a good friend.

“Supporting Palestinian life, safety and freedom does not require me to betray someone I know to be a good human being.”

Sheeran blames promoters, not himself

Sheeran released a statement saying Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his. He said venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup, and he tried unsuccessfully to find a resolution.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine.”

Robert Kraft allegedly orchestrated removal

Macklemore claimed Sheeran told him that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, rallied other stadium owners to give Sheeran an ultimatum: remove Macklemore or lose all venues.

Kraft defends blocking Macklemore

Kraft said Macklemore crossed a line by using Gillette Stadium as a platform for what he called hate speech. He cited Macklemore's pro-Palestine rhetoric and a history of antisemitic imagery as reasons for the ban.

“Based on Macklemore's recent actions...we determined that his participation...would cross that line.”

Promoter confirms venue ultimatum

Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran's US tour, confirmed that venues told them they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup. This would have resulted in tour cancellation affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Sheeran refuses to take political stance

Sheeran said his audience includes young people and children from different backgrounds who don't expect his shows to be a political forum. He said he chooses to use his platform for unity, joy, and escapism rather than politics.

“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”

Macklemore stands by his message

Macklemore posted his speech from MetLife Stadium with the caption 'Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.' He doubled down on his pro-Palestine stance despite the fallout.

“Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.”

Pink amplifies antisemitism accusations

Singer Pink reposted a StopAntisemitism Instagram story that slammed Macklemore's performance as anti-Israel propaganda and called for apologies and refunds for Jewish concertgoers.

Macklemore's 2014 antisemitism controversy

In 2014, Macklemore apologized after wearing a stage disguise that many condemned as an antisemitic Jewish caricature. He said he never intended to offend and respected all cultures and people.

Tour faces uncertain future

With all opening acts withdrawn and 18 dates remaining through the end of the year, it's unclear how Sheeran's Loop Tour will proceed. Sheeran promised fans he would not cancel shows despite the chaos.

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans.”

UK imposes sanctions on Israeli settlements

The UK announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting settlement goods and businesses providing services for expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband cited ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

Israel responds with counter-measures

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Miliband of spreading an outrageous lie and announced counter-measures including shutting the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem.

US takes different approach with weapons deal

The Trump administration plans to sell Israel a 2.8 billion dollar munitions package including 40,000 highly destructive bombs. This contrasts with the UK's sanctions approach.