Sheeran loses 200k followers overnight

Ed Sheeran dropped 219,000 Instagram followers over 14 days as controversy engulfed his Loop Tour. The shift came after he removed Macklemore from the U.S. leg following the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks.

Macklemore speaks up for Palestine

On September 4, Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium and told the crowd: "Free Palestine." He also performed his 2024 song Hinds Hall, which references pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University.

“"Free Palestine," he told the crowd”

Sheeran removes Macklemore from tour

After Macklemore's pro-Palestinian speech, Ed Sheeran's team removed him from the remaining Loop Tour dates. Sheeran later claimed it was not his decision.

Sheeran issues damage control statement

On September 15, Sheeran said he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and called the suffering on both sides a "human tragedy." But the statement only intensified backlash.

Finneas quits the tour

Billie Eilish's brother Finneas announced he would no longer perform on the Loop Tour, stating: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people."

“"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people."”

Aaron Rowe walks away

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe withdrew from the tour, saying he could not allow billionaires to silence voices speaking against Israeli genocide. He gained 132,000 followers on the day he announced his departure.

Lukas Graham exits remaining dates

Danish band Lukas Graham withdrew from the tour, arguing that money should not give anyone the right to own the conversation about war and civilian suffering.

Beoga departs over silencing

Irish folk group Beoga quit the tour, saying they could not play in venues that silence artists advocating for a free Palestine. They blamed what they called "zionist lobbies" for the pressure.

All support acts abandon the tour

Within days, every remaining support act on the Loop Tour had quit. The exodus included Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, leaving Sheeran to perform solo.

Support acts gain 1.6 million followers

The five artists who quit or were removed gained a combined 1.638 million followers. Macklemore alone gained 1.3 million, more than six times what Sheeran lost.

Macklemore's statement gets 6.9 million likes

Macklemore's 976-word statement confirming his removal was liked 6.9 million times. Sheeran's statement to his 47.3 million followers received only 544,000 likes by comparison.

Aaron Rowe's engagement surges

Aaron Rowe's statement was liked over 1 million times despite him having only 315,000 followers. The previous Tuesday, he had gained just 1 follower.

Gaza war context and timeline

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation. A ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025.

UN report alleges Israeli war crimes

A June report from the United Nations said Israeli military action in Gaza resulted in genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Israel has denied these allegations.

Macklemore on his removal and friendship

Macklemore said he only needed two chances to say "Free Palestine" to 90,000 people. He expressed hope the controversy would not end his 13-year friendship with Sheeran.

“"I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2."”

Other artists also take stands

BIIRD and Myles Smith, who had already completed their tour dates, also issued statements supporting Macklemore and Palestinian freedom. Smith wrote a nine-page statement defending his position.

The real winner: audience engagement

The controversy revealed that audiences reward artists who take political stands. Support acts gained followers while Sheeran lost them, suggesting public sentiment favored those who spoke up.