From Newsweek · · 1m
Ed Sheeran’s Two-Chord Politics
Ed Sheeran’s tour with Macklemore sparks Palestinian aid cash but leaves him stranded.
In brief
Ed Sheeran’s tour with Macklemore sparks Palestinian aid cash but leaves him stranded. Ed Sheeran lost $2 million and support acts after Macklemore’s tour cancellation over Palestinian activism. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Ed Sheeran’s political stance
Ed Sheeran claims he doesn’t host political forums at his shows.
“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum”
Macklemore’s tour conflict
Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in September 2024.
“free Palestine, free Lebanon, free Cuba to the Congo to Sudan to Iran”
Robert Kraft’s refusal
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, refused Macklemore’s tour dates.
“the rapper would not be playing his building”
Tour cancellations
Macklemore was cut from eight tour dates, and other acts walked out.
“every remaining act walked out”
Sheeran’s financial loss
Sheeran lost $2 million and three support acts from his tour.
“Sheeran had called and asked Kraft to commit it”
Macklemore’s controversial past
Macklemore performed in a prosthetic hook nose and apologized for antisemitic costume.
“the costume was random”
Gaza ceasefire status
Gaza’s ceasefire is almost a year old with Israeli forces holding two-thirds of territory.
“Israeli forces holding roughly two-thirds of the territory”
Sheeran’s final stance
Sheeran named his tour 'Loop' after taking a side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Sheeran finally took a side”
The bottom line
Ed Sheeran lost $2 million and support acts after Macklemore’s tour cancellation over Palestinian activism.
