Jakarta, ThedailyID — Ed Sheeran reportedly lost more than 439,000 Instagram followers over a 30-day period amid controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour.
Social Blade data, cited by Newsweek on Tuesday, September 22, showed the sharpest decline during the height of the controversy.
Sheeran’s Instagram account lost nearly 150,000 followers on September 15. The number fell by another 98,000 the following day.
The trend followed controversy over Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour. The rapper had voiced support for Palestine during a performance in New Jersey earlier in September.
According to the report, Sheeran told Macklemore that he could not continue the tour if the rapper remained as his opening act.
The decision sparked criticism from activists. Several other opening acts later withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Sheeran later said the decision rested with the tour promoter and stadium owners. He also mentioned US businessman Robert Kraft in discussing those involved in the decision.
The controversy also affected Sheeran’s public image. Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, said the singer had become involved in a highly polarized political debate.
“Ed Sheeran was very foolish in how he managed this controversy, and it is dangerous for his career,” Schiffer said.
Sheeran later addressed the controversy during his performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 19.
The 35-year-old singer apologized for how he handled the situation. He also acknowledged that some concertgoers may not have expected political comments during a show.
“I had to make difficult decisions, and I made mistakes, and I am very, very sorry,” Sheeran said.
He also described the current situation in the United States as frightening. Sheeran then thanked the Philadelphia audience.
The controversy has continued to affect Sheeran’s social media presence. However, the available Social Blade data only shows a decline in followers and does not establish why individual users unfollowed him.
