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IceSecurity

Ed Sheeran Loses Over 500,000 Instagram Followers Amid Macklemore Controversy

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

BusinessCharged tone

Hebrew · 16 newsrooms covering

Ed Sheeran has lost over 500,000 Instagram followers after removing rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour due to pro-Palestinian statements made by Macklemore. The decision followed pressure from Jewish groups and stadium managers, who threatened to cancel the tour.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Ed Sheeran lost over 500,000 Instagram followers.
  • Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour.
  • Macklemore displayed pro-Palestinian messages on stage.
  • Jewish groups and stadium managers pressured Sheeran.
  • Sheeran cited preventing political rallies as the reason.
Ed Sheeran Loses Over 500,000 Instagram Followers Amid Macklemore Controversy
Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

International music star Ed Sheeran has reportedly lost over 500,000 Instagram followers in a matter of days following his decision to remove rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour. The move came after Macklemore displayed pro-Palestinian messages and wore a keffiyeh during a performance on September 4th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he also performed his song "Hind's Hall," which has been described as pro-Palestinian.

Jewish organizations and stadium managers in the U.S. reportedly exerted significant pressure on Sheeran and his tour management. This pressure led to the decision to cancel Macklemore's opening act status for the remaining eight shows of the tour, with stadium officials threatening to cancel the entire tour if he remained on the lineup.

Sources close to Sheeran stated that the decision was made to prevent his concerts from becoming political rallies and to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. The controversy ignited after Macklemore's performance, prompting an online petition against him by the IAC organization and sharp criticism from singer Pink regarding anti-Israel propaganda.

Macklemore's removal from the tour was confirmed by Messina Touring Group, the production company. Despite attempts by the rapper to mitigate the fallout, he was ultimately dropped from the remaining shows.

IceOther · Tel Aviv

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