From The Conversation · Naveen Basavaraj · · 1m 10s
Silencing artists backfires
Macklemore's pro-Palestine protest song went viral after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour.
In brief
Macklemore's pro-Palestine protest song went viral after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour. Preventing Macklemore from touring with Ed Sheeran backfired as his pro-Palestine message gained massive attention. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Macklemore dropped from tour
Macklemore performed a pro-Palestine monologue at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept 4, 2026, during Ed Sheeran's tour.
“hind's hall”
Tour dropped after backlash
Robert Kraft, owner of the NFL's New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, dropped Macklemore 10 days later after he crossed a line.
“43-year-old rapper”
Macklemore's profile soared
Macklemore's Instagram followers increased by over 1.6 million and song streams skyrocketed after being dropped from the tour.
“1.6 million”
Sheeran's opening acts withdrew
All of Ed Sheeran's other opening acts withdrew from the tour and at least one radio network pulled Sheeran's music.
“act of solidarity”
Streisand effect explained
The Streisand effect describes how attempts to silence artists often backfire by amplifying their message.
“streisand effect”
Book bans spike circulation
Book bans in U.S. schools increased from 729 in 2021 to 1,269 in 2022, with banned books seeing 12% higher circulation.
“729 unique attempts”
Banned books gain attention
Banned books by lesser-known authors saw 12% higher circulation, with each additional ban adding 2% to circulation.
“12% higher circulation”
Here's the gist
Preventing Macklemore from touring with Ed Sheeran backfired as his pro-Palestine message gained massive attention.
