Ed Sheeran is speaking out about Macklemore’s controversial exit from his Loop Tour, and he’s pointing the finger at the promoter. In a statement posted to Instagram, Sheeran said the decision wasn’t his, explaining that venues in New Jersey threatened to pull their shows after Macklemore performed a“Free Palestine”chant during his opening sets. Sheeran said he respects Macklemore as an artist and spent the week trying to“build bridges”with the venues. Those efforts apparently didn’t pan out, and Macklemore is off the tour.
On the sports side, Brittany Mahomes had the internet in a chokehold after ESPN’s“Get Up”panel unanimously picked Denver to beat Kansas City. She posted a screenshot of the segment with a single caption:“Oopsies.”The Chiefs then blew out the Broncos 31-10 on Monday Night Football, marking Patrick Mahomes’return from a torn ACL and LCL he suffered in December 2025. It’s the kind of petty internet moment that Chiefs fans will be reposting for weeks.
In more somber news, adult film star Christian Styles, whose real name was Zachary Christian Jaghab, has died at 20. The Wayne County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental, caused by alcohol and mitragynine toxicity. His parents found him unresponsive on August 20 after what has been described as a prolonged bender involving various substances. Mitragynine is the primary alkaloid in kratom, a plant-based substance that has been linked to a growing number of accidental overdose cases. What do you think about artists using their concerts as a platform for political statements? Sound off in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.