Daily News 19

Tag: Instagram followers

  • Ed Sheeran Loses Nearly 100,000 Instagram Followers Amid Macklemore Israel Controversy

    Ed Sheeran Loses Nearly 100,000 Instagram Followers Amid Macklemore Israel Controversy

    Ed Sheeran has lost nearly 100,000 Instagram followers amid escalating controversy surrounding the removal of Macklemore from his Loop Tour. The fallout began Monday when Macklemore announced he had been dropped from the remaining tour dates following pro-Palestine remarks made during a September 4 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

    ### Macklemore’s removal sparks backlash

    The U.S. rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, called to “free Palestine” during his appearance at the stadium. After facing criticism for the on-stage comments, Macklemore confirmed this week he had been removed from the tour. In a lengthy statement, he alleged that New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft issued Sheeran an “ultimatium” that led to his departure.

    Sheeran responded with his own statement denying personal involvement in the decision.

    > “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me,” he said. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

    ### Social media reaction and follower loss

    Data from HypeAuditor reveals Sheeran has lost almost 100,000 Instagram followers since the controversy erupted. Many remaining followers have flooded his posts with comments demanding “free Palestine” and criticizing the singer for “not choosing sides.”

    ### Support acts stage mass walkout

    The controversy has triggered a cascade of withdrawals from Sheeran’s supporting performers. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, featured on the North American leg, announced his departure on Tuesday, September 15.

    > “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he said. “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.”
    >
    > “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE.”

    Finneas followed shortly after, declaring he would not participate in remaining tour dates.

    > “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
    >
    > “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

    Irish band Beoga and Danish pop group Lukas Graham subsequently announced their exits. Lukas Graham shared a statement on Instagram explaining their decision.

    > “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them,” they wrote on Instagram. “I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates.”

  • Sydney Sweeney Loses 200K Followers After Backlash Over Nude Ad

    Sydney Sweeney Loses 200K Followers After Backlash Over Nude Ad

    Sydney Sweeney’s recent advertisement for sports betting platform Novig has sparked significant backlash on social media, resulting in a notable decline in her Instagram follower count. The campaign features the Euphoria star appearing nude, strategically covered by pieces of sports equipment.

    Sweeney Defends Campaign Concept

    In a statement released following the advertisement’s debut, Sweeney addressed the creative direction behind the campaign.

    “The campaign was about embracing a fun idea.“The concept is simple: cut through the noise and put the focus entirely on sports. The campaign brings that idea to life with confidence, humor and a playful edge.”

    Follower Count Fluctuates Amid Controversy

    According to data tracked by Variety, Sweeney initially gained approximately 50,000 followers in the days after the ad launched. However, she subsequently lost roughly 200,000 followers as criticism mounted. Despite the decline, the actor maintains a substantial following of approximately 25 million on the platform, suggesting the overall impact remains relatively minimal. Sweeney has since shared additional clips from the advertisement, indicating she is not deterred by the negative response.

    Olympian and Industry Professionals Voice Criticism

    The advertisement drew sharp criticism from several prominent figures, including four-time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus.

    “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel when I watch this. How do we live in a world where monetising a woman’s body and sexualising women’s sport is still a thing?”

    Marissa Womack, manager of game day promotions and programming for the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team, also condemned the campaign. Womack emphasized her critique stemmed from structural industry concerns rather than personal insecurity.

    “It’s about having passions and joy working in this industry and when the only representation is sexualization, you see less and less young women wanting to pursue this industry!”

    History of Provocative Advertising

    This is not Sweeney’s first venture into revealing advertising. She has previously posed for her own lingerie brand, Syrn. Additionally, an American Eagle jeans commercial featuring the actor generated significant backlash earlier in her career. In that advertisement, Sweeney stated:

    “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.”

    Sweeney later described the negative reaction to the American Eagle campaign as definitely was a surprise, noting she was largely shielded from the response while filming on location without access to her phone.

    LADbible has contacted representatives for Sydney Sweeney and Novig for further comment.