From Fox News · Christina Dugan Ramirez · · 2m
Celebrities revolt after Ed Sheeran drops Macklemore over Palestine
Four opening acts quit Sheeran's tour after he removed Macklemore for pro-Palestinian remarks, sparking a celebrity backlash over artist silence on politics.
In brief
Four opening acts quit Sheeran's tour after he removed Macklemore for pro-Palestinian remarks, sparking a celebrity backlash over artist silence on politics. When venues pressured Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore for his pro-Palestinian statements, it triggered a broader debate about whether famous musicians have a…
Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
After performing pro-Palestinian remarks at New Jersey shows, Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour following pressure from venues.
Hannah Einbinder's brutal jab
The Hacks star mocked Sheeran on Instagram, joking as a fellow ginger that she hoped he'd get a severe sunburn.
“i hope you get a REALLY bad sun burn the kind on the back of your entire body where it hurts to lie down or walk or sit”
Venues threatened to cancel shows
Stadium owners told Sheeran's team they would pull concerts if Macklemore remained on the lineup, citing how he conveyed his pro-Palestinian message.
Sheeran explains his silence
Sheeran said he avoids using his platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from diverse backgrounds who expect a safe space, not a political forum.
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”
Sheeran denies being complicit
In a lengthy statement, Sheeran rejected suggestions that his silence meant indifference, saying he has personal views on the conflict but chooses diplomacy over public advocacy.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.”
Marissa Bode fires back
The Wicked actor accused Sheeran of lacking a backbone, writing that despite using a wheelchair, she still has a spine and supports Palestine.
“Ed Sheeran, my legs may not work like they used to before, but at least I have a spine.”
Ms. Rachel says silence isn't neutral
The YouTube educator argued that Sheeran caved to pressure and that refusing to speak out about Gaza is not a neutral position but a political choice.
“A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it.”
Roger Waters delivers harsh rebuke
The former Pink Floyd member posted a video contrasting Macklemore's willingness to speak out with Sheeran's refusal, calling Sheeran someone who does the wrong thing.
“There are people who do the right thing. That rapper Macklemore would be one of those people.”
Four opening acts withdraw
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Irish band Beoga announced they would quit upcoming tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore.
Finneas condemns artist silencing
The producer said artists should not be silenced when speaking for oppressed people, joining the growing exodus from Sheeran's tour.
Lukas Graham steps away
The Danish singer withdrew from the tour, saying he was grateful for his friendship with Sheeran but couldn't continue as things stand.
“I'm sorry we won't be there. This is a difficult decision, but it's one I need to stand by.”
Macklemore stands by his message
The rapper said he didn't need ten shows but two chances to tell 90,000 people to free Palestine, and views the controversy as his most successful tour.
“If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I've ever been on.”
The headline
When venues pressured Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore for his pro-Palestinian statements, it triggered a broader debate about whether famous musicians have a responsibility to speak out on political issues.
