From CNBC · Jenny Lee · · 1m 10s
Ed Sheeran tour fracas over Palestine comments
A dispute over pro-Palestinian remarks divides Sheeran's tour and sparks a $2 million aid donation request.
In brief
A dispute over pro-Palestinian remarks divides Sheeran's tour and sparks a $2 million aid donation request. Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments led to his removal from Sheeran's tour, triggering a broader conflict involving stadium owners, other artists, and a major donation pledge. Originally reported by CNBC.
Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
Rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's remaining U.S. tour dates after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a MetLife Stadium performance in New Jersey.
Kraft allegedly pressured Sheeran
Macklemore claimed Ed Sheeran told him that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, would not allow him to perform there and had rallied other stadium owners to pressure Sheeran into removing him.
Kraft denies pressure, pledges $2M
Kraft said Sheeran called him asking for a $2 million donation to Palestinian aid, contradicting Macklemore's account that he pressured the tour removal.
“Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.”
Other artists withdraw in solidarity
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham all announced they were leaving Sheeran's tour in support of Macklemore and artistic freedom.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Macklemore clarifies his position
Macklemore wrote that antisemitism is real but said criticism of Israel and calls to free Palestine should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people.
The big picture
Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments led to his removal from Sheeran's tour, triggering a broader conflict involving stadium owners, other artists, and a major donation pledge.
