Greta Thunberg Leads Online Backlash Against Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Controversy

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has reportedly spearheaded an unprecedented online attack against British singer Ed Sheeran, whose Instagram account has been flooded with thousands of hateful comments and calls to "Free Palestine." The surge of online activity followed a comment left by Thunberg herself, which prompted a wave of pro-Palestinian activists to target Sheeran's profile.

After Sheeran attempted to clarify that the decision to remove rapper Macklemore from his tour was made solely by producers, the critics shifted their focus to older posts on Sheeran's account, accusing him of "choosing the wrong side" and calling him a "sellout." Reports indicate that Sheeran has lost hundreds of thousands of followers amid the backlash.

The controversy stems from Macklemore's "Free Palestine" chant during a concert in New Jersey. This action reportedly angered venue owners, including billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, leading to Macklemore's removal from the tour. Kraft cited Macklemore's recent statements and a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" as reasons for the decision, stating it was deeply offensive to the Jewish community.

Sheeran had previously stated that Macklemore's removal was not his decision and that he does not endorse political statements on his stage. However, his clarifications have not appeased the critics. The situation has escalated, with four opening acts, including Finneas (brother of Billie Eilish), Danish band Lukas Graham, and Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Baugur, withdrawing from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas stated, "Artists should not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people."