Ed Sheeran lost approximately 500,000 Instagram followers in one week following the removal of Macklemore from his Loop tour lineup due to the latter's pro-Palestinian statements. Although Sheeran attributed the decision to promoters and venues rather than his own choice, he faced significant criticism for not defending Macklemore's freedom of speech, leading other supporting artists to withdraw in solidarity. During his first concert in Philadelphia, an emotional Sheeran publicly apologized, stating that what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unacceptable, and admitting that he made mistakes. His follower count continued to drop even after this public expression of regret.
Ed Sheeran has lost approximately 500,000 Instagram followers in one week after removing Macklemore from his tour support act due to the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements. Although Sheeran clarified that the decision was not his own, he faced significant backlash and criticism, prompting other artists to withdraw from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Social Blade data indicates a steady decline, with losses of 150,000 followers on each of the first two days of public reaction, followed by 98,000 the next day. During his performance in Philadelphia, Sheeran expressed visible emotion and apologized for making difficult decisions and mistakes. He described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and indefensible while acknowledging his errors.
Actor Taylor Lautner has become a father for the first time after his wife, who also shares the surname Taylor Lautner following their marriage, gave birth to a daughter last week. The couple named their newborn Lennon Taylor on Instagram, joking about the shared family name when announcing the pregnancy in March.
Roel van Velzen shared online footage reflecting on his time coaching Ben Saunders, who recently passed away. Van Velzen served as Saunders’ coach when the singer won Voice of Holland in 2010.
Pauline Wingelaar attended the funeral of her friend Bartina Koeman in Laren on Wednesday, September 15, following Koeman's death from cancer. Wingelaar posted a tribute on Instagram describing Koeman as stylish, brave, and caring, expressing that she said goodbye too soon. She recalled Koeman's strength during her illness and noted that Koeman leaves behind a significant void and cherished memories.
Singer Hayley Williams paid tribute to her ex-husband, guitarist Chad Gilbert, on Instagram following his death at age 45. Williams described Gilbert as a legend in the hardcore music scene who founded New Found Glory and Shai Hulud, noting that their time together taught her to appreciate the community and culture of hardcore punk. The couple married in 2016 but separated a year later; Gilbert had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Cherry-Ann Person spent approximately €5,000 on a transparent crib inspired by Khloé Kardashian for her three-year-old daughter, Jayla. Despite overcoming delivery issues and initial breakage, Jayla finds the bed frightening and refuses to sleep in it. Consequently, the expensive crib has been repurposed as a plush toy bench, while Person’s husband Roland Kahn remains unconcerned about the expense.
Presenter Ewout Genemans visits Club Bella, a brothel in Nevada, where he meets escort Lila and her regular client Trevor. Trevor describes his relationship with Lila as both friendly and business-like, though he harbors deeper feelings. When asked for advice, Trevor recommends the brothel's hot tub, jokingly offering to pay the $1500 fee if Genemans has not experienced it yet. The segment is part of the show 'Ewout,' which airs on RTL 5.
Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison during a new hearing regarding sexual violence charges. The conviction specifically addresses the abuse of his former production assistant, Miriam Haley.
Roel van Velzen shared old footage of his former pupil, Ben Saunders, who recently passed away, highlighting Saunders' extreme talent during preparations for 'The Voice of Holland' in 2010. Van Velzen praised Saunders' charm and humility, noting that Saunders' funeral took place in private on Wednesday.
Henry, 80, ended a fifteen-year secret affair with Ronald after initially meeting him in a park. Although Henry knew Ronald was married with two children, their bond deepened as Henry became part of the family, visiting on Thursdays and joining vacations under the guise of friendship. The relationship ended when Henry confessed his homosexuality to Ronald, who left angrily. Henry later sent a letter to Ronald's wife explaining his sexuality, but Ronald never returned despite Henry's hope for reconciliation after his wife's death. Henry learned of Ronald's death in March, leaving him to wonder if he should have acted differently, though he cherishes the unforgettable years they shared.
Prince Harry prematurely halted a speech on the dangers of artificial intelligence in New York on Wednesday after an apparent teleprompter failure cut his address in half. The Duke of Sussex left the podium abruptly following a long silence but returned thirty minutes later to finish the talk, joking that AI had sabotaged him. He noted that even creators warn against capabilities outpacing safety, echoing similar concerns recently voiced by King Charles regarding existential risks.
Charles Spencer stated he did not intend to portray King Charles negatively in his book 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister', clarifying that controversial passages were included for context rather than attack. He emphasized his right as Diana’s brother to honor her memory and explained that references to Charles’s alleged reaction served to counter claims that he wanted her forgotten quickly, while noting he chose not to reveal more damaging information.
Cristiano Ronaldo stated that he prefers to score his thousandth goal while playing for the Portugal national team. He dismissed the idea that reaching this milestone is an obsession, yet affirmed his commitment to achieving the target.
American singer Hilary Duff will perform at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on May 17, marking her first concert in the Netherlands since 2006. The appearance is part of an expanded tour supporting her sixth studio album, luck... or something, with Rebecca Black serving as the opening act.
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted again by a New York judge for the sexual assault of former production assistant Miriam Haley, receiving a 15-year prison sentence. Weinstein forced Haley into sex at his Manhattan apartment in 2006; he had previously received a 23-year sentence for this crime which was overturned on appeal before a jury found him guilty again last year. The 74-year-old Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair due to health issues, expressed regret and apologized to Haley, while his lawyers unsuccessfully argued that his illness prevented him from serving a long sentence. Weinstein has been accused by over 80 women of sexual misconduct since allegations emerged in late 2017, sparking the #MeToo movement. He has been incarcerated in New York since 2020, with additional sex cases pending in New York and California.
René Froger faces a difficult decision regarding his future with the Toppers, as illness could force him off stage. If he leaves, a replacement must be found to join Gerard, Jan, and Jeroen at the Johan Cruijff Arena, though the topic of succession remains sensitive and is discussed only behind the scenes.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) requested a reduced sentence of 28 months, with 10 suspended, for Harry W. in the appeal regarding the assault on actor Bas Muijs, down from the initial four-year demand. The prosecution also sought a fully conditional 80-hour community service for co-defendant Madelon L., acknowledging her mental health struggles. The court of appeal in Arnhem confirmed sufficient evidence for serious assault, extortion, and deprivation of liberty, with a verdict expected on October 14.
Filipino-American creator Bella Poarch removed her viral 10-second TikTok video, which held the Guinness World Record for most likes with over 74 million, after becoming frustrated by negative comments and comparisons to Australian influencer Leah Halton. The video, featuring playback lip-syncing to Millie B's 'Soph Aspin Send,' launched Poarch into multimillionaire status through lucrative brand deals with companies like Hugo Boss and Valentino. Despite achieving fame and releasing her first album, Poarch stated on the Zach Sang Show that she deleted the content because she was tired of the constant backlash and pressure regarding her engagement metrics.
Former film producer Harvey Weinstein received a 15-year prison sentence for sexually abusing his former production assistant, Miriam Haley, in 2006. This conviction follows the overturning of his previous 23-year sentence on appeal in 2024, with a jury finding him guilty again in 2025. Weinstein faces additional legal proceedings in California regarding other allegations.
