Ed Sheeran Loses Thousands of Followers as Macklemore Gains Massive Support Following Tour Exit
Ed Sheeran faces a social media exodus after dropping Macklemore from his tour. Discover how the rapper's following surged amid the ongoing controversy.
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — Ed Sheeran is experiencing a significant decline in his social media presence, while rapper Macklemore has seen his follower count surge following a high-profile split from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop tour.
The tension began after Macklemore, known for his 2012 hit Thrift Shop, announced on Tuesday that he was removed as an opening act. The decision followed his public call for a free Palestine during a recent concert, which prompted billionaire Robert Kraft—whose company owns Gillette Stadium—to bar the rapper from performing at the Massachusetts venue.
Although Sheeran has publicly stated he is not complicit in the decision and maintains that removing Macklemore was not his choice, he has faced intense criticism for his perceived neutrality. The backlash has intensified as all four of his supporting acts have exited the tour in solidarity with the rapper.
According to analytics firm Social Blade, Sheeran lost 149,636 Instagram followers in the 24 hours following the announcement, leaving him with 47.3 million. Conversely, Macklemore gained 750,098 followers during the same period, bringing his total to over 7.9 million.
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The artists who departed the tour have also seen their own social media followings grow. Aaron Rowe, who initiated the exodus, saw his following increase by 73 percent to over 132,000. In his statement, Rowe noted: “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. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
The band Beoga, which served as Sheeran’s touring ensemble, gained 86,548 followers after announcing their departure. Citing their Irish heritage and history with colonialism, the group stated: “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be.”
Finneas, who was scheduled to join the tour in South America, also withdrew, gaining 96,163 followers after posting: “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.”
Sheeran is scheduled to perform next at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this Saturday. Requests for comment sent to both Sheeran and Macklemore remain pending.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
