From Newsweek · · 3m
Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour over Palestine speech
After Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium, musicians and politicians split on whether he was silenced or crossed a line.
In brief
After Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium, musicians and politicians split on whether he was silenced or crossed a line. Macklemore's removal sparked a celebrity divide between those who see it as censorship of political speech and those who believe opening acts should stay apolitical. Originally…
Macklemore's two-minute speech
On September 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore repeatedly said "Free Palestine" during a two-minute speech, telling people in Gaza and the West Bank they had not been forgotten.
Venue owners object to his appearance
Stadium owners including Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, objected to Macklemore's appearance on the North American leg of Sheeran's Loop tour.
Sheeran says it wasn't his call
Ed Sheeran released a statement saying the decision to remove Macklemore was taken by the tour promoter, not him. Messina Touring Group said venues threatened to cancel the tour if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision; it was not mine.”
Roger Waters condemns Sheeran
Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters directly criticized Ed Sheeran in a video, saying Macklemore did the right thing while Sheeran did the wrong thing.
“There's people who do the right thing. That rapper Macklemore would be one of those people.”
AOC frames it as censorship
New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told TMZ that stadium owners and the elite are silencing artists who speak on political issues like the Gaza conflict.
“It's become clear that this is not just about one music artist or two music artists, but this is about how just a handful of stadium owners and the elite can prevent an entire massive issue.”
Multiple artists withdraw in protest
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and BEOGA all announced they would leave the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, citing the importance of artists speaking for oppressed people.
“Artists must not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people.”
Ms. Rachel criticizes double standard
Children's educator Rachel Accurso accused Sheeran of taking a political stance on Ukraine while remaining silent on Palestinian suffering, despite over 20,000 Palestinian children being killed.
“Imagine being a Palestinian kid and seeing he did a concert for Ukraine but when over 20,000 Palestinian children are killed he's silent.”
Israeli American Council launched petition
The Israeli American Council started a petition to remove Macklemore, arguing the concert should not be a political rally and objecting to his song Hind's Hall about pro-Palestinian protesters.
“This was an Ed Sheeran concert - not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event.”
Joe Bonamassa defends etiquette rules
American singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa argued on X that opening acts should follow tour etiquette and stay silent on politics, saying "when you are the opening act... STFU."
“When you are the opening act for someone who fills stadiums ... STFU! Simple rules and etiquette when operating on tour.”
Pink clarifies her position
Pop artist Pink came under criticism for resharing a StopAntisemitism post opposing Macklemore, but later clarified that a repost should not be interpreted as endorsement and reiterated support for Palestinian dignity.
Sheeran condemns conflict on both sides
In his statement, Sheeran said he is appalled by the Israel-Palestine conflict and the suffering on both sides, adding that too many wars across the world cause immeasurable pain.
“The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.”
What it means
Macklemore's removal sparked a celebrity divide between those who see it as censorship of political speech and those who believe opening acts should stay apolitical.
