Sheeran loses fans after banning Macklemore in pro‑Palestine backlash

**Ed Sheeran Loses Nearly 500,000 Instagram Followers After Controversial Apology**

Ed Sheeran’s Instagram account has slipped by nearly half a million followers in a single week, a hit he has dubbed “one of the worst weeks of my life.” The British singer‑songwriter, 35, faced the backlash after his opening act Macklemore was removed from his Loop tour over pro‑Palestine comments.

Within 24 hours of the announcement on September 14, Sheeran’s follower count fell from 47.6 million to 47.3 million.

Social Blade reported that on September 15 alone Sheeran’s account shed nearly 150,000 followers, and the next day it lost more than 98,000. By the weekend of September 20, after he read a statement from an autocue at his Philadelphia show, the number had slid to 47.2 million—half a million fewer than a week earlier.

Macklemore’s removal followed his remarks at New Jersey shows, where he introduced the protest song “Hind’s Hall.” The rapper was dropped after stadium owner Robert Kraft cited hate‑speech concerns. In solidarity, Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the backing band Beoga all announced they would leave the tour.

## Background & Context

The fallout began on September 14 when Macklemore was informed that his performance slots would be canceled after comments about Israel‑Palestine were deemed unacceptable by venue owners.

Sheeran’s public apology came the following day, and he also announced that he would read a statement from an autocue during his next show in Philadelphia. Those actions triggered an immediate reaction from fans and critics alike.

Social media metrics confirm the spike in controversy. , the account lost nearly 150,000 followers on September 15 and more than 98,000 the next day. By September 23, Sheeran’s following had fallen to 47.2 million, a net loss of almost 500,000 in seven days.

During the Philadelphia performance, Sheeran read a statement from an autocue.

He said, “I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity and not division… but this is a humanitarian issue and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.” The singer reiterated his earlier pledge to keep concerts free of politics.

Macklemore first made the contentious remarks during two New Jersey shows at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, where he introduced his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” The rapper criticized Israel’s military action in Gaza.

After stadium owner Robert Kraft cited hate‑speech concerns, Macklemore was barred from performing at Gillette Stadium, prompting his removal from Sheeran’s tour.

## What People Are Saying

Sheeran’s onstage apology was met with a mix of support and condemnation. Fans who attended the Philadelphia concert spoke of a “determination to enjoy an evening of music while at the same time supporting freedom of speech.” Others, however, felt he had capitulated to public pressure. A supporter wrote, “His PR people need to be fired.

No reason for him to have to speak to that outside of a very small mob of loudmouths.”

Social media also highlighted criticism from well‑known personalities. Piers Morgan noted that he agreed with Sheeran’s assessment of the conflict but lamented that the singer “bowed to the mob” and was forced to speak publicly.

Another X poster said, “His use of a teleprompter is not proof he doesn’t care.” These comments illustrate how divided audiences are on whether an artist should address political events at all.

A fan interviewed outside the venue said, “There was a sentiment of determination to enjoy an evening of music while at the same time supporting freedom of speech.” Another attendee added, “I think everyone leaves happy” after Sheeran’s speech.

Yet a different commenter praised his sincerity, noting, “His speech was very sincere, and I think that’s what people wanted to hear.” These reactions show a range of perspectives on the artist’s decision.

## What Happens Next

Despite the turbulence, Sheeran has confirmed that he will continue the Loop tour. He told the Philadelphia audience that “I plan to continue my current tour” even after opening acts left in solidarity with Macklemore.

The show went on without his usual backing band, but he was joined by a new group of musicians, including fiddler Alicia Enstrom, to cover songs such as “Galway Girl.”

Sheeran also addressed concerns about safety, explaining that he had considered how to stage the performance without provoking backlash.

He mentioned, “I didn’t know if they were going to throw things at me or if people would be angry.” The setlist was adapted, with the fiddler Alicia Enstrom and other musicians filling in for the lost backing band.

The artists who withdrew from the tour—Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—combined added 1.6 million new followers, . Meanwhile, fans outside the venue largely focused on the music itself, with one commentator saying “I think everyone leaves happy” after Sheeran’s speech.

Sheeran emphasized that he will keep performing despite the controversy, stating, “I plan to continue my current tour.” He also mentioned he had not wanted to be an activist musician, but the backlash forced him to make difficult decisions.

Fans outside the venue reported that many focused on enjoying the music while supporting freedom of speech, with one attendee saying, “I think everyone leaves happy.”

The Instagram loss underscores how quickly public sentiment can shift when politics and music collide. Sheeran has made it clear that the controversy will not halt his touring plans, but the episode has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artists in social and political discourse.