So far, the singer has lost 200k+ Instagram followers since Macklemore was ousted from his tour for voicing support for Palestine.
The “Shape of You” singer is on an island of one, or at least he might be at his next concert. Ed Sheeran is facing mounting criticism after Macklemore was ousted from his tour this week for voicing support for Palestine, leading the rest of Sheeran’s supporting acts to drop out in solidarity.
Yesterday, the band Massive Attack joined the chorus condemning Sheeran’s handling of the situation. That followed supporting acts Beoga, Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe quitting the tour in support of Macklemore and Palestinians. One act referenced reports that Israeli operations in Gaza have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians since last year’s supposed ceasefire.
ICYMI: After Macklemore said “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” at a show at MetLife Stadium earlier this month:
- Macklemore said Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the Patriots and Gillette Stadium, rallied other venue owners and told Sheeran that they wouldn’t let him play if he brought Macklemore.
- Kraft didn’t deny Macklemore’s statement, but called the rapper’s past rhetoric “antisemitic.”
- Sheeran said Macklemore’s firing was his promoter’s decision, not his, and that “there is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics” (though commenters pointed out that he’s shown support for Ukraine).
So far, Sheeran has lost 200k+ Instagram followers. His tour is scheduled to continue in Philadelphia on Saturday.—ML
