Dimoldenberg calls Sheeran 'world‑famous red‑headed puppet' on SNL UK

During the Saturday Night Live UK opening monologue, comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg referred to singer Ed Sheeran as a “world‑famous red‑headed puppet.” The remark followed a screen flash of the 2021 interview between Sheeran and Dimoldenberg’s “Chicken Shop Date” series.

Audience laughter erupted as the joke landed on live television.

The comment echoed the ongoing fallout from Sheeran’s recent “Free Palestine” protest at MetLife Stadium, which saw rapper Macklemore removed from the remainder of the Loop Tour. Dimoldenberg’s punchline was part of a broader commentary on how celebrity politics are intersecting with touring schedules and public perception.

Dimoldenberg, who launched “Chicken Shop Date” in 2014 to find love over fried‑chicken, announced that her final series would premiere on October 2. The show has now concluded, marking the end of a nine‑year run that combined dating with pop‑culture interviews.

## What Happened

Amelia Dimoldenberg’s monologue began with a self‑deprecating joke: “I’ve been incredibly privileged to have done so many interviews with people like Idris Elba,

Cher and even a world‑famous, red‑headed puppet with a hand up his ass telling him what to say.” The line was delivered as the camera cut to an image of Dimoldenberg and Sheeran from a 2021 interview.

When the screen displayed a photo of Dimoldenberg with “Sesame Street” character Elmo, she answered, “No, the other one.” The audience’s reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, and she remained quiet as cheers filled the studio.

A representative for Ed Sheeran was not available to comment when Page Six reached out. No official statement from Sheeran’s camp followed the segment.

The clip also highlighted the current drama surrounding Sheeran and Macklemore, with Macklemore announcing he had been dropped as an opener for the Loop Tour after a pro‑Palestine speech at the MetLife Stadium show in New Jersey. The incident has sparked a wave of solidarity from other tour openers.

## Background & Context

Ed Sheeran’s “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium prompted a swift response.

He said, “I wanted to stand up here on stages across America and say two words that are near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine.” Shortly after the concert, Macklemore posted on Instagram that “Sheeran and his team made the decision to remove [him] from the tour.”

Macklemore added, “In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim …

We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world.” He further clarified that “the victims are the Palestinian people … who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence.”

Sheeran’s response on Instagram indicated that venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained. He stated, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” and added that he would never abandon fans or the touring crew.

Other openers—including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—announced their departures from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The collective walk‑out reflected a broader industry debate about the intersection of politics and entertainment.

On September 19, Sheeran appeared tearful at his Lincoln Financial Field show in Philadelphia. He told the crowd, “Everyone’s telling me to cancel and I’m feeling all of my friends and family and people I know abandon me.” The moment underscored the personal toll of the controversy on the artist.

Macklemore announced his “Free Palestine Tour” on September 24, pledging that all proceeds would support organizations assisting Palestinian people and movements.

## Analysis

The monologue by Dimoldenberg can be seen as a satirical jab at how celebrity figures are navigating public discourse on contentious political issues. By labeling Sheeran a “red‑headed puppet,” she underscored the perception that artists may be complicit or coerced by industry demands when addressing sensitive topics.

Sheerin’s own statements reveal a tension between artistic integrity and commercial pressures. His assertion that the promoter’s decision, not his, removed Macklemore points to the power dynamics at play in touring arrangements.

The collective action of other openers amplifies the sense that artists are unwilling to stay silent when faced with forced political positions.

Macklemore’s Instagram post provides a counterpoint, framing the situation as one where Palestinian suffering is the real victim. His subsequent tour underscores how artists can pivot from mainstream touring to independent advocacy, using their platforms to champion causes they believe in.

The emotional breakdown Sheerin experienced in Philadelphia illustrates the personal costs of navigating public expectations and artistic freedom. It shows that even high‑profile performers are affected by backlash and the erosion of support networks when their political statements diverge from mainstream sentiments.

Dimoldenberg’s choice to end “Chicken Shop Date” after this incident may reflect broader industry fatigue with the intersection of dating entertainment and political commentary.

The final season’s premiere on October 2 signals a closing chapter for a show that began in 2014, leaving fans to wonder how the industry will balance humor, love, and activism in future productions.