Macklemore Removed from Ed Sheeran Tour Following Pro Palestine Statements
2 sources across 2 countries · Colombia · Spain
Who reported this
- El Espectador
- El Pais
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
- A hatched block means the outlet is affiliated with, or controlled by, a state.
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Every outlet covering this story shares the same political lean; read with that in mind.
Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran's tour after making public statements in support of Palestine. The incident occurred during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore delivered a speech supporting Palestinians and performed his 2024 protest song, Hind's Hall, accompanied by images of the situation in Gaza. Following these actions, the promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that Macklemore would no longer serve as the opening act. The company stated that several scheduled venues informed them they would not allow concerts to proceed with the rapper on the bill, which threatened the development of the tour.
Macklemore detailed the situation on social media, claiming that stadium owners, specifically Robert Kraft of Gillette Stadium, issued an ultimatum that he be removed from the tour. He also noted that he had difficult conversations with Ed Sheeran, who has not yet made a public statement. The removal sparked a variety of reactions. Some pro Israeli organizations and the singer Pink criticized the rapper. Conversely, several figures from the arts and activism community expressed support for Macklemore, including activist Greta Thunberg, actress Hannah Einbinder, Spanish singer Judeline, and the Irish hip hop group Kneecap.
Macklemore, 43, is known for his history of social activism, including his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights with the song Same Love. However, his political involvement has previously led to controversy, such as in 2014 when he apologized for wearing a costume that was interpreted as an antisemitic caricature.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- Outlets with this lean framed the event as a conflict between artistic expression and corporate or political pressure, highlighting the support Macklemore received from other activists.
Sources
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