Ed Sheeran has lost more than 200,000 followers on Instagram in a matter of days while the artists dropped from or quitting his tour have gained a combined 1.6 million. The dramatic divergence comes amid growing backlash over Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks he made during a performance. Sheeran said in a statement on Tuesday that it was not his decision for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.
The 35-year-old singer said that he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” and said that the suffering on “both sides” was a “human tragedy.” But the backlash has only intensified since the statement was released, and every remaining support act has now quit the tour. Finneas, the musician and brother of pop star Billie Eilish, confirmed that he would no longer perform. Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish folk group Beoga, which has previously performed with Sheeran, also announced their departures.
Together, the five artists have gained 1.638 million followers, more than seven times the number Sheeran has lost. Newsweek has contacted representatives for Sheeran, Macklemore, Finneas, Graham, Beoga and Rowe for comment. This is a developing story.
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