Ed Sheeran has lost almost half a million Instagram followers over the past week as the controversy surrounding his US tour continues.
According to data from Social Blade, Sheeran's Instagram account lost almost 150,000 followers on September 15, the day he first addressed the removal of rapper Macklemore from his Loop Tour.
Ed Sheeran. Photo credit: Miguel Angel Lopez Rojas, Shutterstock
Another significant drop followed the next day, with around 98,000 more followers leaving his account shortly afterwards. As of September 23, Sheeran had 47.2 million Instagram followers, around half a million fewer than a week earlier.
The backlash follows the decision to remove Macklemore from the US leg of Sheeran's tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments during his performances.
Macklemore. Photo credit: Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock
Sheeran has said the decision was made by the tour promoter after venues indicated that they would not allow the shows to go ahead with Macklemore on the bill. Macklemore has since criticised the decision and said he hopes it does not mark the end of his friendship with Sheeran.
Several other opening acts subsequently withdrew from the tour, including Irish group Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, Finneas and Dublin singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe.
Ed Sheeran has a large international fanbase. Photo credit: Cineberg, Shutterstock
Sheeran addressed the controversy during his first show since the fallout in Philadelphia on September 19.
The singer became emotional as he apologised to fans and said he had been forced to make difficult decisions.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” he told the crowd.
Sheeran also spoke about the wider situation in the Middle East, describing the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023 as horrific and saying the situation in Gaza was “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.” He also spoke about what he described as systemic injustice in the West Bank.
He said he had never wanted to be an activist musician and had previously tried to keep politics separate from his concerts.
“I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division,” he told the audience.
Macklemore. Photo credit: Lev Radin, Shutterstock
Macklemore has continued to defend his support for Palestinians and has announced that he will donate his $1 million net earnings from the tour to Palestinian organisations.
The controversy has also affected ticket prices.
According to TicketData figures reported this week, resale prices across the tour have fallen since the Macklemore dispute began, although some decline is considered normal as concerts get closer.
Ed Sheeran. Shutterstock
Sheeran's Loop Tour is continuing in the US, with the singer due to perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on September 25 and 26.
