Several artists have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore after he was removed from the tour lineup following pro-Palestinian remarks made during a concert in New Jersey.
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Macklemore, who has publicly expressed support for Palestinian rights and criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank, addressed the audience during his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium.
During the concert, he voiced support for Palestinians and called for their freedom, while stressing that criticism of the Israeli government should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.
Macklemore later said he had been removed from Sheeran’s tour because of his comments. He had been scheduled to perform at eight of the tour’s remaining 10 shows, which are due to resume September 19 in Philadelphia.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy on social media, saying the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour organizers rather than by him. He said venue owners at some of the upcoming shows had indicated they would not allow performances involving Macklemore and that he had attempted to mediate between the parties.
However, Sheeran said the decision by the venues and tour organizers was ultimately final.
The dispute prompted several artists associated with the tour to withdraw. Opening acts including American musician Finneas, Danish group Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, as well as Sheeran’s backing band Beluga, announced that they would no longer participate.
Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking in support of oppressed people. Rowe and members of Beluga also referred to Ireland’s history of colonialism when explaining their decision to leave the tour.
Sheeran said he has personal views about the Israel-Palestinian conflict but does not want his concerts to become platforms for political speeches. He said his shows should remain spaces for music, unity, celebration and love, while acknowledging Macklemore’s decision to publicly advocate for what he believes in.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from pro-Israel organizations and singer Pink, who argued that Macklemore’s comments could contribute to concerns about the safety of Jewish people and supporters of Israel at public events.
Critics have additionally pointed to a 2014 incident involving Macklemore, in which he appeared in a costume featuring elements that were widely criticized as antisemitic stereotypes. The rapper later apologized for the incident.
Meanwhile, Macklemore announced that he plans to donate $1 million from his earnings to Palestinian relief organizations, adding another development to the dispute surrounding his removal from Sheeran’s tour.
