KATSEYE members unfollow Ed Sheeran on Instagram following Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour. Get the full details and social media reaction.
Rising global pop powerhouse KATSEYE has sparked massive social media discussion after all five active members unfollowed British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran on Instagram. The silent digital statement by Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae arrived on September 15, 2026, directly following the controversial decision by tour promoter Messina Touring Group to remove rapper Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s major Loop Tour. The sudden fallout has stunned pop music fans, given that Sheeran personally co-wrote KATSEYE's July 2026 hit single "Animal" from their third EP, Wild, released via HYBE UMG and Geffen Records.
Why Did KATSEYE Unfollow Ed Sheeran on Instagram?
The social media movement began shortly after Macklemore voiced vocal political support for Palestinian liberation during his opening set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 5, 2026.
- Removal From the Loop Tour: Following pressure from venue stakeholders and advocacy organizations, promoter Messina Touring Group announced that Macklemore would no longer appear on remaining U.S. concert stops.
- Public Support for Macklemore: KATSEYE members Lara and Megan liked Macklemore's subsequent public statement addressing his removal, while Lara added the rapper to her personal Instagram following list.
- Silent Protest Online: On September 15, fans noticed that all five members of KATSEYE simultaneously removed Sheeran from their Instagram following lists, signaling a clear rift over the handling of the tour situation.
How Has the Music Industry and Fan Base Reacted to the Controversy?
Macklemore later clarified his relationship with Sheeran, explaining that neither artist was a victim and describing Sheeran as a personal friend whose "typical apolitical stance" faced unprecedented public scrutiny.
- Mixed Fan Reactions: Online responses have divided pop and K-pop fan communities. While many praised KATSEYE for standing up for their beliefs, other observers questioned the move or called for the group to remove the Sheeran-penned track "Animal" from future concert setlists.
- High-Profile Celebrity Engagement: Prominent artists and public figures including Kehlani, Zara Larsson, Florence Pugh, Nicola Coughlan, and Greta Thunberg engaged with Macklemore's statement on social media platforms.
- Mass Exodus of Opening Acts: Following Macklemore's removal, additional tour openers including Finneas O'Connell, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe also withdrew from the U.S. leg of the Loop Tour in solidarity.
Sheeran originally reached out to collaborate with KATSEYE after becoming a fan of their breakout 2025 single "Gnarly." He subsequently co-wrote their top-ten Billboard Global 200 single "Animal" alongside Johnny McDaid, Omer Fedi, and Blake Slatkin.
Watch the official music video for "Animal" on the KATSEYE YouTube Channel or stream the full Wild EP on Spotify and Apple Music.