Ed Sheeran suffers huge social media blow as 200,000 followers desert star amid Macklemore row

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Sep 16, 2026 - 20:10

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Ed Sheeran suffers huge social media blow as 200,000 followers desert star amid Macklemore row

Ed Sheeran's US Loop Tour has been thrown into turmoil after every remaining support act walked away from the concert series in protest at the removal of rapper Macklemore over a pro-Palestinian speech.

Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish pop group Lukas Graham, and Irish folk ensemble Beoga, who also serve as Mr Sheeran's backing band, each issued separate statements announcing their withdrawal.

Myles Smith, a close friend of Mr Sheeran who previously toured with him, confirmed his own departure on Wednesday morning.

The 35-year-old Suffolk singer's Instagram following has plummeted by more than 200,000 in the space of 24 hours, dropping from 47.6 million to 47.3 million as fans voiced their anger at Macklemore's dismissal from the run of stadium dates.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, had been scheduled to open for Mr Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten US dates.

The 43-year-old was axed after delivering a politically charged address during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, during which he wore a keffiyeh and performed his 2024 track Hind's Hall alongside footage from Gaza.

In a lengthy Instagram statement, the rapper alleged Mr Sheeran had told him billionaire Robert Kraft, chief executive of the Kraft Group, which owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had personally intervened.

He claimed that "Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues".

The tour's US promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed venues had threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.

Finneas, the musician and brother of Billie Eilish, declared: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.

I" have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."

Mr Rowe drew on Ireland's history, writing: "As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation."

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He added he "cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up".

Lukas Graham expressed people "should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them".

Beoga, who performs eight songs alongside Mr Sheeran, including Galway Girl, stated playing "in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us".

Mr Smith, who issued his statement on Wednesday, was unequivocal in defending Mr Sheeran personally while confirming his exit: "Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let's not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator."

Mr Sheeran maintained the decision to remove Macklemore was taken by the promoter, not by him.

He stated: "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."

The singer argued his concerts are attended by young people from diverse backgrounds who "do not expect a political forum".

And he insisted he had spent the week attempting to negotiate a compromise that would have kept Macklemore on the bill.

He pledged the tour would continue, saying he would never abandon fans who had already made plans or the crew who depend on him for their livelihoods.

The future of the Loop Tour nonetheless remains deeply uncertain, with 18 dates still scheduled through to the end of the year and not a single opening act remaining.

GB News has contacted representatives for Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Robert Kraft for comment.

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