Guitar Center's Ed Sheeran contest gets flooded with protest videos
Ed Sheeran removed Macklemore from his tour after Macklemore's pro-Palestine statement. A Guitar Center contest to open for Sheeran was launched, but the submission page was flooded with trolling videos and links to Palestinian aid organizations. The contest is part of Sheeran's tour, which has faced criticism.
The contest, launched on September 14, coincided with Macklemore’s removal from the tour after his onstage comment at MetLife Stadium. Guitar Center’s submission page, meant for hopeful musicians, was instead populated with memes, wrestling clips, and direct links to humanitarian groups aiding Gaza. The playlist has since been taken down, though the submission window remains open. Sheeran’s own statement denying complicity in the conflict has not quieted critics, who note his tour’s backing band and openers have also departed. The incident underscores how a promotional stunt can become a flashpoint for broader political frustration.
This episode may signal how consumer-facing brand contests can become unintended platforms for protest, especially when tied to polarizing public figures. Fans and activists alike could use such channels to amplify causes, potentially making companies more cautious about partnerships. The backlash may also affect Sheeran’s tour reception, with some audiences associating his name with censorship. However, the long-term impact likely depends on whether the controversy sustains public attention or fades as other news emerges.