- Ed Sheeran lost nearly 500,000 Instagram followers in a single week amid growing backlash surrounding his U.S. tour.
- The controversy began after the tour dropped opening act Macklemore following his pro-Palestine stage comments.
- Other opening acts subsequently withdrew from the tour, prompting Sheeran to address the situation with a statement regarding Gaza and the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations, while Sheeran donated $2 million.
- Sheeran continues to face public criticism and ticket cancellations as his tour moves toward a performance at Gillette Stadium.
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