Ed Sheeran reportedly loses 200,000 Instagram followers as tour backlash grows

Four scheduled support acts have withdrawn from LOOP TOUR dates following Macklemore’s removal

Ed Sheeran is facing fresh fallout after all four remaining supporting acts withdrew from his LOOP TOUR following Macklemore’s removal from the line up.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk group Beoga announced on September 15 that they would no longer participate in upcoming dates. Their decisions came after Macklemore was removed from the tour following pro Palestinian comments made during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The situation intensified after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s departure on social media. The singer said the decision came from tour promoters and venues, explaining that several locations had threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran also said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than directly with him.

Macklemore had previously alleged that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, pressured Sheeran and other stadium owners following his comments about Palestine. Kraft later confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper’s recent remarks and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

The departures have now left Sheeran without the scheduled supporting acts for upcoming LOOP TOUR dates. Beoga had also been performing alongside Sheeran during parts of his set, while Finneas was due to appear during South American shows later this year.

Amid the controversy, reports have claimed that Sheeran lost around 200,000 Instagram followers within 24 hours. That figure has been reported by media outlets covering the backlash, but there is no independent Instagram record publicly confirming the precise change.

The dispute continues to centre on the removal of Macklemore, artistic expression and Sheeran’s stated preference to keep his concerts focused on music rather than political statements.