From Vox · Caitlin Dewey · · 1m 30s
How Israel-Palestine broke up Sheeran-Macklemore
The implosion of Ed Sheeran's world tour reveals shifting attitudes toward Israel across generations.
In brief
The implosion of Ed Sheeran's world tour reveals shifting attitudes toward Israel across generations. American millennials have grown sharply more critical of Israel over the past decade, driving a larger political shift that extends beyond Gen Z activism. Originally reported by Vox.
Macklemore dropped from Sheeran tour
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's 59-date Loop Tour after venues threatened to cancel shows over his pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Robert Kraft blocks Boston show
Sports magnate Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, blocked Macklemore from performing there, citing his advocacy and history of antisemitic rhetoric.
Pink criticizes Macklemore's rhetoric
Artist Pink published a lengthy criticism saying Macklemore's on-stage comments and use of violent wartime imagery had frightened many Jewish people.
Band and openers quit in protest
Sheeran's backing band and remaining opening acts all pulled out of the tour in protest of the decision to remove Macklemore.
Millennials drove the Israel shift
American millennials have grown sharply more critical of Israel over the past decade, laying groundwork for Gen Z's pro-Palestinian activism.
The shift started before Gen Z
Americans under 30 were more likely to blame Israel than Hamas for the 2014 Gaza war. Millennial activists wrapped Palestinian independence into social justice causes.
Sympathy down across all ages
Sympathy for Israel is down among younger Republicans too. Over the past two years, the sharpest drop has been among Americans ages 35 to 54.
The one thing
American millennials have grown sharply more critical of Israel over the past decade, driving a larger political shift that extends beyond Gen Z activism.
