Ed Sheeran's 'apolitical' claim sparks backlash on Bluesky
Users mock the singer's assertion that he avoids politics while his catalog includes activism and his recent actions have drawn scrutiny.
What to know
- Sheeran claimed his music prioritizes unity over division and that he avoids politics, but users document extensive political engagement including activism on Ukraine, LGBTQ+ rights, and racism.
- The thread exposes a central contradiction: Sheeran's assertion of apoliticism conflicts with both his documented activism and recent concert-related controversies.
- Commenters debate whether claiming to be apolitical is dishonest, and whether silence itself constitutes a political position in a democracy.
The dispute Whether Sheeran's past activism and public statements constitute real political engagement or whether selective activism while claiming apoliticism is a coherent position. · positions read across 52 posts and comments
Sheeran's apolitical claim is hypocritical given his history of activism and political statements.
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“the same ed sheeran who is so anti political that he spoke up for Ukraine, spoke up for Jeremy Corbyn, campaigned against racism, campaigned against Brexit and publicly called for the US congress to pass the Equality Act.”
thatzougaguy.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Claiming to be apolitical is inherently dishonest or impossible; silence and neutrality are themselves political choices.
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“everyone who says they "dont do politics" is a fuckin liar”
krrikkismet.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Recent controversies (concert delays, business decisions) have damaged Sheeran's credibility and his current damage control is ineffective.
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“His Philly show opened 2.5 hours 'late' because there was no opening act. No one else would open? Did they ask anyone? No nothing? Really!?”
drunemeton.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Ed Sheeran SingerBig Joel Bluesky commentator
How it unfolded 4 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump postscomments
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4
Broader criticism of Sheeran's recent conduct emerges
Users reference unspecified recent controversies, including a delayed concert start in Philadelphia and an apparent conflict with "Kraft" (likely a reference to a company or entity). One commenter suggests Sheeran's damage control is ineffective and that being perceived as apolitical while taking controversial actions has backfired.
“He's one of those "I dont wanna lose any friends" guys who loses all his friends…”
— straycunt.bsky.social -
He's one of those "I dont wanna lose any friends" guys who loses all his friends
2 more of the top 3 · 43 posts in this stretch
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Division is bad, but the causes of division? The causes are very good.
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smh can't believe he'd alienate his club-going fans like this 🥀
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Users challenge the concept of apoliticism itself
Commenters argue that claiming to be apolitical is inherently dishonest or impossible, with some framing silence or neutrality as a political choice in itself. One user states that in a democracy, all adults should engage politically or risk losing democratic institutions.
“everyone who says they "dont do politics" is a fuckin liar…”
— krrikkismet.bsky.social -
everyone who says they "dont do politics" is a fuckin liar
2 more of the top 3 · 7 posts in this stretch
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“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover, so the bar is where I go.” - EDMINSTER F. SHEERAN
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He’s not apolitical; he’s just committed to a one-party state where every song is about being horny.
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Comments pile on contradictions in Sheeran's record
Multiple users respond by pointing out concrete examples of Sheeran's political involvement, including his album titled "Divide," his support for Ukraine, campaigns against racism and Brexit, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. One commenter notes his breakout song "The A Team" was an activism track.
“the same ed sheeran who is so anti political that he spoke up for Ukraine, spoke up for Jeremy Corbyn, campaigned against racism, campaigned against Brexit and publicly called for the US congress to pass the Equality Act.”
— thatzougaguy.bsky.social -
dude literally has an album called Divide lol
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Big Joel posts critique of Sheeran's apolitical stance
Bluesky user Big Joel posts a satirical observation contrasting Sheeran's stated commitment to unity over division with the lyrical content of his music, which focuses on sexual themes. The post gains significant engagement with over 7,300 likes.
“I like Ed Sheeran being like "I never spoke about politics. Because my music is about unity, not division" and then the music is like "la la la la I want to touch your body wow. sexy crazy body wow"”
— Big Joel -
B
I like Ed Sheeran being like "I never spoke about politics. Because my music is about unity, not division" and then the music is like "la la la la I want to touch your body wow. sexy crazy body wow"
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What people are saying 15 voices from 1 site · best of 52 · verbatim
- What specific recent controversy or business decision (the reference to 'Kraft') prompted this current backlash?
- Why did artists decline to open for Sheeran's Philadelphia show, and what does this reveal about his current standing?
- Sep 21
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W
Most of being an asshole is having zero memory and assuming everyone else does too
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You’ll need to get behind the Irish for the crime that is ‘Galway Girl’.
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Why not just say, yes it very much IS politics and that isn't a dirty word? In a democratic society all adults should be political or we lose that democracy!
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Why did they AI smoothen this pic of Ed Sheeran omg
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Oh ok so you're saying we can't all relate to wanting to touch a sexy crazy body??
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My man learned to roll his Rs and is like "Oh I HAVE to make the most annoying song about Spain you've ever heard. Hoo hah sangria, mamasita" Please REDACTED either yourself or me, Ed. I just want the horrid gruel music for people who need a glass of milk for their lemon and herb chicken to end.
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I’m pretty certain being the opener for Ed Sheeran has become a huge issue right now, it would be a pretty risky move for any band, and most of those still willing would be a risk for him. As I wrote earlier: He had no idea what his faltering to Kraft would do to his career, none.
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his breakout song was "the A team" which is very much an activism song
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I’m glad he’s getting his arse handed to him by the global community.
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I
Play-Doh, forever malleable, always ready to fit into a mold, never actually solidly it's own thing. At the end of the day, a boring lump of clay.
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Ukrainians are white so its not politics
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And baby~~~, I want to make love to youuuuuuu In a way that's permitted by our moral legislaaaation, ohhhhh~~~ And baby~~~, I just want to hold you tight 'Cause you're not on my list of undesirables, yeeeeeah~~~
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His Philly show opened 2.5 hours ‘late’ because there was no opening act. No one else would open? Did they ask anyone? No nothing? Really!? He wouldn’t even start his own set early? Just came out, made a tepid statement, and then played his set? Who ever is doing damage control for him, ain’t.
- Sep 20
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You either "do politics" or they'll do you.
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"some people are sexy" is a thing most people can agree on, that is true. I don't think it is much of a unifying platform though.