From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Ireland Disowns Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Stance
Ireland's musicians and leaders cut ties with Ed Sheeran after he backed Macklemore's removal from tour
In brief
Ireland's musicians and leaders cut ties with Ed Sheeran after he backed Macklemore's removal from tour Ireland's cultural figures and broadcasters publicly distance Ed Sheeran following his handling of Macklemore's pro-Palestinian tour controversy Originally reported by Newsweek.
Ed Sheeran's Irish Identity
Ed Sheeran identifies culturally as Irish despite being born in England, with Irish heritage through his father and grandparents.
“I class my culture as Irish. I think that's what I grew up with.”
Macklemore's Tour Speech
Macklemore gave a two-minute speech at Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour urging 'Free Palestine' and showing Gaza images during his performance.
“Free Palestine”
Tour Backlash
Pro-Israel groups petitioned for Macklemore's removal, leading to his exit from remaining U.S. tour dates after Robert Kraft objected.
“Robert Kraft objected to his participation”
Ireland's Pro-Palestine Stance
Ireland recognized Palestine in 2024 and supports Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution with Israel.
“Ireland was the first EU member to declare peace in the Middle East required a fully sovereign Palestinian state”
Ireland's Reaction
Irish musicians and broadcasters publicly criticized Ed Sheeran for prioritizing commercial success over Palestinian solidarity.
“We know who Ed Sheeran is now”
Ed Sheeran's Response
Sheeran stated Macklemore's removal was due to promoter concerns, not his personal decision, to avoid conflict with venue owners.
“Macklemore's removal was not his decision but driven by concerns raised by promoters”
Cultural Backlash
Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew from Sheeran's tour, citing Palestinian suffering over 'genocide, forced famine and violent occupation'.
“We cannot ignore issues of genocide, forced famine and violent occupation”
Media Response
Classic Hits Radio removed Sheeran's music from playlists following listener feedback about the controversy.
“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our listeners”
Journalist Critique
Irish Mirror journalist Andrew E. Quinn called Sheeran a 'gutless coward' for failing to stand up for what is right.
“Ed Sheeran failed at the first hurdle and proved he is the epitome of the plastic Paddy”
RTÉ's Stance
Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ said it would not drop Sheeran's music, stating its threshold for banning artists is very high.
“Our threshold for banning artists is very high”
The takeaway
Ireland's cultural figures and broadcasters publicly distance Ed Sheeran following his handling of Macklemore's pro-Palestinian tour controversy
