Comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg delivered a sharp critique of Ed Sheeran and his silence on industry controversies during her appearance on “Saturday Night Live UK.” Hosting the program, the British comedian used her opening monologue to target the singer following a backlash over his tour promoter dropping artist Macklemore after a pro-Palestinian stage comment.
Monologue Jokes Target Sheeran and Tour Controversy
During the Saturday night broadcast, Dimoldenberg reflected on her career hosting the YouTube interview series “Chicken Shop Date.” She listed several high-profile guests she has interviewed before pivoting to a joke about the musician.
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“I’m incredibly privileged to have done so many interviews with people like Idris Elba, Cher and even the world famous red-headed puppet with a hand up his ass telling him what to say,” Dimoldenberg said on stage, while a photograph of her alongside Elmo appeared on screen.
The image quickly changed to a photo of Dimoldenberg and Sheeran. “No, the other one,” she added, prompting laughter from the studio audience.
The joke directly referenced ongoing friction surrounding Sheeran’s recent concert tour decisions. The controversy began when Sheeran’s tour promoter removed Macklemore from the lineup after Macklemore shouted “free Palestine” during a live performance.
The Backlash Over Gillette Stadium and Robert Kraft
Following his removal from the tour, Macklemore explained that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, informed Sheeran that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at the venue. Kraft later confirmed that decision, stating his actions were centered on opposition to antisemitism.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the mounting criticism on Instagram, stating that he is “not complicit” but chooses to avoid voicing political views publicly. “I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed,” Sheeran wrote.
Opening acts across Sheeran’s tour quickly dropped out in protest, condemning the singer for failing to support Macklemore and accommodating Kraft’s demands instead. Separately, upcoming concerts at Gillette Stadium were canceled due to inclement weather.
“Saturday Night Live UK” previously targeted Sheeran on September 19. During the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, host Paddy Young joked that Sheeran was “looking at both sides of the issue” while an image of the singer’s lazy eye was projected on screen.
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