Ed Sheeran has shed nearly 100,000 Instagram followers since the eruption of a tour controversy involving Macklemore.
Data from HypeAuditor, a social media analytics platform, shows the drop on Sheeran’s account as backlash intensified over Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour, according to coverage of the figures. The “Shape of You” singer, 33, had attempted to distance himself from the decision in a statement issued after Macklemore went public with his own account of events.
“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,” Sheeran wrote. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
That explanation has failed to stem the departures from his tour roster or the criticism directed at him online. Commenters have flooded Sheeran’s Instagram posts with “free Palestine” messages and accusations that he avoided taking a stand, coverage of the backlash noted.
The exodus of supporting acts began Tuesday when Irish singer Aaron Rowe announced his exit from the North American leg. Rowe, who had been featured on those dates, framed his decision through the lens of Irish historical experience.
“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said. “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. Respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE.”
Finneas followed within hours, posting to his own fans that he would withdraw from his upcoming dates with Sheeran. The producer and performer, 26, cited artistic principle in his announcement.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham exited moments after Finneas’s statement, posting on Instagram that the situation had become untenable for them. Irish band Beoga also shared that they would no longer participate.
“We 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,” Lukas Graham wrote. “I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates.”
The cascading withdrawals leave Sheeran without the supporting acts originally scheduled for his North American shows.
Macklemore, 41, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, had been dropped after calling to “free Palestine” during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4. In a subsequent statement about the incident, the US rapper identified New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft as the source of pressure, claiming Kraft issued Sheeran an “ultimatum” that resulted in his removal from the remainder of the tour.
Sheeran has not publicly addressed the follower loss or the continued departures from his tour lineup since his initial statement.