Contest to Open for Ed Sheeran Flooded With Free Palestine Videos and Fart Memes

You can no longer rely on online contests to be purely about talent, as political and meme-based submissions can easily hijack them.

The 'Open for Legends' contest, hosted by Guitar Center to find an opening act for Ed Sheeran's Mexico City show, was overwhelmed with protest content and memes. Submissions included videos supporting Palestine, fart memes, and messages critical of Sheeran's perceived stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour for his pro-Palestine statements. The contest page, which allowed public voting, appeared unmoderated for hours, displaying these entries alongside genuine applications. This influx of protest content occurred after Macklemore announced his removal from the tour, citing pressure from stadium owner Robert Kraft. In response to the controversy, all of Sheeran's supporting acts and his backing band withdrew from the tour. Sheeran later posted on Instagram stating his personal views on the conflict but emphasizing his choice not to speak publicly.

This incident highlights the increasing weaponization of online platforms for political expression and dissent, blurring the lines between entertainment contests and public forums. It suggests that brands and event organizers must implement robust moderation strategies to prevent their platforms from being used for activism or targeted harassment. The rapid spread of user-generated content, even of a disruptive nature, demonstrates the power of social media networks in amplifying political messages and applying pressure on public figures and their associates.

The situation underscores a growing trend where artists and their associated events become flashpoints for broader societal and political debates. The mass withdrawal of other acts signals a powerful solidarity within the music industry, indicating that political stances, or perceived stances, can have significant ripple effects beyond the primary artist. This could lead to increased scrutiny of artists' affiliations and statements, potentially impacting their future collaborations and tour arrangements.