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Ed Sheeran Fans Defend Star Amid Tour Cancellations
Ed Sheeran fans vow to support him as opening acts drop out over Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance
In brief
Ed Sheeran fans vow to support him as opening acts drop out over Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance Fans argue Ed Sheeran shouldn't be blamed for tour changes after Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' speech Originally reported by Dailymail.
Fans Defend Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran fans argue he shouldn't be blamed for tour changes after all opening acts dropped out
“Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let's not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator.”
Macklemore's Pro-Palestine Speech
Macklemore performed 'Free Palestine' at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during his shows supporting Ed Sheeran
“I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them.”
Tour Cancellations
All remaining opening acts pulled out of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour following Macklemore's speech
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran.”
Ed Sheeran's Response
Ed Sheeran called Macklemore's removal a promoter's decision, not his own
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine.”
Macklemore's Statement
Macklemore claimed Ed Sheeran told him Robert Kraft blocked his performance at Gillette Stadium
“Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum”
Venue Concerns
Gillette Stadium cited antisemitic rhetoric as reason for barring Macklemore from performance
“Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community”
Fan Backlash
Ed Sheeran lost 200,000 Instagram followers in 24 hours after fans criticized him for tour changes
“He has a right to keep his concerts non-political without being ostracized by people on the left”
Myles Smith's Support
Myles Smith, Ed Sheeran's close friend, publicly supported the singer amid backlash
“Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let's not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator”
Political Context
UK imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements amid rising tensions in the West Bank
“The measures mark a sharp shift in Britain’s stance on Israeli settlements under new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham”
Macklemore's History
Macklemore previously faced backlash for anti-Semitic imagery in 2014
“There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended”
Tour Impact
Ed Sheeran's tour faces uncertainty with zero opening acts and 18 dates remaining
“I would never let down the fans who had made plans”
Ed Sheeran's Stance
Ed Sheeran emphasized his tour remains non-political for young audiences
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum”
Fan Support
Fans praised Ed Sheeran for not taking political stances during his shows
“This is beautifully worded, but most importantly, is a nuanced, genuine viewpoint”
Macklemore's Apology
Macklemore apologized for past anti-Semitic remarks but defended his pro-Palestine stance
“I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them”
Political Tensions
US and UK tensions over Israeli settlements and Palestinian rights
“The measures mark a sharp shift in Britain’s stance on Israeli settlements under new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham”
Fan Reactions
Fans divided on whether Ed Sheeran should be blamed for tour changes
“Think most people don’t want to see Ed fail. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t missed the mark here in a significant way”
The one thing
Fans argue Ed Sheeran shouldn't be blamed for tour changes after Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' speech
