Amelia Dimoldenberg jokes about Ed Sheeran during SNL UK opening monologue amid tour controversy

Comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg referenced Ed Sheeran during the opening monologue of Saturday Night Live UK, describing him as a "world-famous red-headed puppet" who allegedly receives direction from others. The comment followed a visual montage that included a past interview between Dimoldenberg and Sheeran from her YouTube series.

The remark came as Sheeran’s tour has been disrupted after rapper Macklemore was removed as an opening act. Macklemore announced on Instagram that he was dropped following Sheeran’s "Free Palestine" statement at a New Jersey concert. He said the decision was made by the tour promoter, not by Sheeran, and emphasized that the conflict’s victims are the Palestinian people.

Sheeran later posted that venue operators threatened to cancel shows unless Macklemore was removed. He said he attempted to negotiate a resolution but ultimately the promoter’s decision stood. He added that he does not comment on politics to avoid alienating his diverse fan base.

Other supporting acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga, also withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran expressed personal distress over the situation, telling a Philadelphia audience that he felt abandoned by friends and family.

A spokesperson for Sheeran did not respond to requests for comment.