Ed Sheeran found himself the target of savage jokes as “SNL UK” tackled the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s exit from his U.S. tour. The “Weekend Update” hosts spared neither artist, poking fun at the fallout. The comedians also used Sheeran’s well-documented support for Ukraine to deliver another pointed jab about the causes he champions.
Ed Sheeran’s music took an unexpected beating during the latest edition of “SNL UK.”
“Weekend Update” hosts Anna Magliano and Paddy Young turned their attention to the singer as they discussed reports that Macklemore had been removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour. The rapper was reportedly dropped from the lineup after saying “Free Palestine” onstage.
Magliano sarcastically quipped that the controversy meant Sheeran’s tour was now “under threat.” She then warned fans not to get their hopes up, joking that there was “a very real risk” he would not have to cancel it.
The jabs only got harsher from there. The hosts described Macklemore as a “good guy with bad music” and joked that the controversy was the worst thing to happen to Sheeran’s fans “since their head injury.”
‘SNL UK’ Turns Ed Sheeran’s Ukraine Support Into Another Jab
That was not the end of “SNL UK’s” brutal trolling of Sheeran. After roasting his music, the “Weekend Update” hosts brought up his well-known support for Ukraine.
The Grammy winner was among the stars who performed at the televised Concert for Ukraine in Birmingham in March 2022. The fundraiser ultimately generated more than £13.4 million, then about $17.6 million, for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
At the time, Sheeran publicly expressed his support for Ukrainians following Russia’s invasion and said he was proud to participate in the benefit.
Magliano and Young turned that history into another dig while discussing the controversy surrounding his tour. After acknowledging Sheeran’s longstanding support for Ukraine, they joked that the singer has “always been a passionate advocate of causes that are allowed.”
‘SNL UK’ Hits Robert Kraft With A ‘Corpsemaxxer’ Jab
Robert Kraft received an even harsher roasting when “Weekend Update” shifted its attention to the New England Patriots owner.
The hosts brought up Kraft’s statement about wanting to “work together to build bridges” amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. They immediately turned his words into another punchline, joking that he would be heartbroken to discover who was “bombing those.”
Things only got more personal. Young branded Kraft a “wealthy corpsemaxxer” before bringing up his 2019 solicitation case.
Kraft was charged with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution in Florida, allegations he denied. Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges in 2020 after courts blocked surveillance footage from being used as evidence.
Fans Can’t Get Enough Of The Brutal Ed Sheeran Jokes
The ruthless routine proved to be a hit with viewers, who quickly singled out their favorite burns on Reddit.
One fan said the line accompanying a photo of Sheeran, “seen here looking at both sides of the issue,” had earned a “hearty chuckle.” Another admitted the same joke “absolutely fried me.”
The nickname “corpsemaxxer” for Kraft was another standout. One Redditor called it their “favorite part,” while another said they laughed hard enough to wake their dog.
Others came away impressed by “SNL UK” itself. One viewer called the “Weekend Update” installment “brutal” and argued it was funnier than its American counterpart. Another declared the British version “so much better than the OG.”
Macklemore’s Red Rocks Resale Price Jumps 45% Amid Tour Fallout
The controversy has had consequences beyond late-night punchlines, with interest in Macklemore’s upcoming solo show at Colorado’s Red Rocks reportedly surging.
According to TicketData founder Keith Pagello, the cheapest available resale ticket jumped 45% in three days, climbing from $108 to $157. Pagello told CNBC the spike would not have happened without the recent headlines.
Macklemore, meanwhile, said he would donate the $1 million he earned from the tour to Palestinian aid organizations.
