Katseye have unfollowed Ed Sheeran on Instagram, prompting speculation that the group could distance themselves from the singer after Macklemore was removed from his Loop Tour over his pro-Palestinian comments.
Fans noticed that all six members – Megan Skiendiel, Manon Bannerman, Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia LaForteza and Lara Raj – no longer appeared among Sheeran’s followers this week.
Raj has also begun following Macklemore, while she and Skiendiel both liked the rapper’s post announcing that he had been dropped from the remaining tour dates.
The development has led supporters online to suggest that Katseye could boycott Sheeran more widely, although there has been no confirmation that they intend to do so or that any song will be removed from their performances.
Sheeran co-wrote Katseye’s single Animal, released in July, after approaching the group to collaborate following their 2025 track Gnarly.
Katseye fans call for ties with Sheeran to be cut
Some social media users have called on the group to sever its professional association with the British singer, who is 35.
One post urged fans to stop streaming Animal, claiming Sheeran benefited from his songwriting credit. Another alleged that the track was being removed from Katseye’s Wild World Tour set list, although that claim has not been confirmed.
Katseye and Sheeran have not publicly commented on the Instagram activity.
The row follows Macklemore’s announcement that he had been removed from eight remaining dates on Sheeran’s American tour. The rapper had faced calls for a boycott after delivering speeches in support of Palestinians during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.
During the shows, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh and performed his song Hind’s Hall, with footage of Gaza shown on the screen behind him. He also told the audience: “Free Palestine.”
Sheeran said venues on the remaining tour dates had communicated that they would withdraw their shows if Macklemore stayed on the line-up. The singer said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine, describing the suffering on both sides as “a human tragedy”.
He also said that his audiences included young people from different backgrounds who did not expect his concerts to be a political forum, adding that he would not let down fans who had made plans to attend.
Macklemore pledges tour earnings to Palestinian aid groups
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has said he will donate his net earnings from the Loop Tour – which he put at $1 million (£740,000) – to six organisations supporting Palestinians.
They are Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Heal Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.
He challenged Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, to match the donation. Kraft later said he intended to match a $2 million donation from Sheeran.
Macklemore has alleged that Kraft rallied other stadium owners and issued an ultimatum over his participation in the tour. The claim has not been independently established in the material available.
Kraft defended the decision to prevent Macklemore from appearing at Gillette Stadium, saying the rapper had “crossed a line”. He cited what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, as well as material shared during the New Jersey performances.
The promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had told them they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the line-up, which could have resulted in the cancellation of the tour and affected hundreds of thousands of fans.
Following Macklemore’s removal, Sheeran’s remaining support acts also announced that they would not continue with their scheduled appearances. They include Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga.
Finneas said: “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 singer Aaron Rowe said he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up”, while Lukas Graham said performers should be able to speak about civilians being killed and children who deserve to grow up.
Macklemore has said he will continue his pro-Palestinian activism, concluding his statement about the tour with the words: “Free Palestine.”
