# U2 Defend Free Speech After Sheeran Tour Controversy

> U2 criticizes stadium owners for censoring Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance on Sheeran's tour.
- Title: U2 Defend Free Speech After Sheeran Tour Controversy
- Summary: U2 criticizes stadium owners for censoring Macklemore's pro-Palestine stance on Sheeran's tour.
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, free palestine, sheeran tour, stadium owners, pro palestine, sofi stadium, music, Consequence
- Source: Consequence — https://consequence.net/2026/11/u2-on-ed-sheeran-macklemore-controversy
- Published: 2026-11-08T17:10:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, free palestine, u2, sheeran tour, stadium owners, pro palestine, sofi stadium, music, culture, entertainment
## U2 Support for Macklemore
U2 members defended Macklemore's right to free speech after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour.

> U2 totally support macklemore's right as an artist to say what he wanted to say
## Sheeran's Position on Removal
Ed Sheeran stated the promoter decided to remove Macklemore from the tour, not his own choice.

> For sheeran's part, he said it was the promoter's decision to remove macklemore from the shows, not his
## Mullen Jr. Criticizes Venue Owners
Larry Mullen Jr. criticized wealthy venue owners for censoring artists and vowed U2 would not be silenced.

> Even if we disagree with it or don't like it, nobody - no billionaire, no promoter, no owner - has the right to censor anybody
## U2's Stance on Gaza Conflict
U2 agreed with the pro-Palestine movement's fundamentals despite disagreements on some members.

> We absolutely agree that what's going on [in Gaza] is unconscionable and that a child's life is equally valuable
## Key takeaway

U2 supports Macklemore's right to free speech after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour for supporting Palestine.