Ed Sheeran loses nearly half a million Instagram followers amid Macklemore drama

( NewsNation ) — Ed Sheeran has lost nearly half a million followers on social media after controversy over his recent tour and his decision to drop opening act Macklemore over statements supporting Palestine.

Macklemore said on Instagram that his ouster was at the behest of Robert Kraft , owner of Gillette Stadium. The “Thrift Shop” singer said Kraft organized a group of stadium owners in a boycott, telling Sheeran that he would not be allowed to perform if he did not drop the rapper from the set.

Sheeran’s other opening acts also departed the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who emphasized that the real victims in the scenario are not famous music artists but the Palestinian people.

Sheeran had avoided politics during his career but became caught in the middle after Macklemore’s statements.

An emotional Sheeran apologized to fans at one show and admitted that the debate has cost him close, personal relationships.

The incident has also sparked larger questions about free speech , with some public figures maintaining that politics and art should be kept separate and others saying it is part of a larger conversation about whether those with powerful interests should be able to control what artists can say .

Macklemore also recently announced he would be launching his own series of concerts to benefit Palestinian aid organizations.