George Gilbert Draws Heat For Defending Ed Sheeran

Former “Big Brother” U.K. contestant George Gilbert has drawn criticism online after showing support for Ed Sheeran amid the ongoing controversy involving Macklemore.

Gilbert is best known for being removed from the reality show over unacceptable language and behavior.

The “Shape Of You” singer’s planned return to touring has also drawn scrutiny, with reports highlighting tickets still available ahead of his Philadelphia show.

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Former “Big Brother” U.K. contestant George Gilbert has added fresh fuel to the controversy surrounding pop star Ed Sheeran.

Over the past week, the “Perfect” singer has been caught in a social media storm after Macklemore was dropped from his Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening set.

Gilbert took to social media on Friday, Sept. 18, to publicly declare his support for Sheeran.

Sharing a photo of them together on X, he wrote, “God forbid a musician only wants to be known for his music. Put some respect on the name of the greatest British artist this century. Ed Sheeran, you’re a legend.”

Critics Point To Ed Sheeran’s Ukraine Support After Gilbert’s Defense

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The post immediately drew criticism, with several social media users pointing to Sheeran’s past support for Ukraine and questioning his reluctance to “pick a side” this time.

“He didn’t seem to mind getting political for Ukraine,” an X user wrote under Gilbert’s post.

Another alleged, “If he only wanted to be known for his music, he shouldn’t have folded like a wet paper bag when a billionaire Zionist told him to remove an artist from his tour.”

“Too little too late!!” one user wrote. “Guy has destroyed his legacy.”

“Ed is so (rightfully) f-cked, literally no one wants to publicly support him except losers like this guy and pink,” a Reddit user commented.

George Gilbert’s ‘Big Brother’ Exit Followed Repeated Warnings

Gilbert is best remembered by reality TV fans for his abrupt removal from the “Big Brother” house last year over the “repeated use of unacceptable language and behavior.”

According to the BBC, he had previously been reprimanded and warned, including after he was seen mocking a fellow housemate.

Further incidents ultimately led to his expulsion from the show.

“Following repeated use of unacceptable language and behavior, George has been removed from the Big Brother House with immediate effect and will no longer participate in the program,” a representative for the show said at the time.

Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia Ticket Listings Draw Scrutiny Amid Tour Fallout

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Meanwhile, Sheeran’s tour has faced fresh scrutiny following Macklemore’s departure and the exits of other performers who stood in solidarity with the rapper.

The “Photograph” singer was scheduled to resume touring at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sept. 19. Ahead of the show, the Daily Mail reported that hundreds of tickets remained available on the resale market.

Just hours before showtime, StubHub listings showed tickets for the main seating levels priced between $51 and $234.

Tickets for the main pit directly opposite the stage were also listed for $229 to $298.

Meanwhile, ticket prices for Macklemore’s upcoming performance at Red Rocks in October reportedly climbed amid renewed interest and support following his removal from Sheeran’s tour.

“The get-in price [or the price for the cheapest available ticket] for that show is up 45% in the past 3 days, from $108 to $157,” Keith Pagello, founder of price-tracking company TicketData, told CNBC.

“That’s a surge we can say with confidence would not have happened absent this week’s events.”

Ed Sheeran And Macklemore Pledge Millions For Gaza Aid

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Amid the back-and-forth, both artists have committed to supporting humanitarian causes in Gaza.

Macklemore announced he was donating $1 million of his net earnings from the tour to six humanitarian aid organizations in the region. Children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel matched his pledge.

Meanwhile, Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft announced that Sheeran had privately committed to donating $2 million toward aid in the region and had asked him to match it.

Residents in Gaza have welcomed the support and renewed attention, while aid officials have urged donors to keep their contributions coming.

“But what’s really most important is that people who have been so generous keep funding over a sustained time,” UNICEF official Toby Fricker said, per Reuters.

“That’s why we really call for sustained support, not one-off peaks, but sustained.”