Ed Sheeran tour faces backlash after Macklemore's Pro-Palestine comments The row began on September 4 when Macklemore performed on Ed Sheeran's tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his set, the rapper showed support for Palestinians, screaming "Free Palestine". He also played his protest song Hind's Hall, which references pro-Palestinian student protests at Columbia University and criticises Israel's military operations in Gaza. The performance reportedly featured images of destruction in Gaza. At another MetLife show the next day, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members and said that criticising Israel and opposing an alleged genocide should not be taken as criticising Jewish people. His remarks drew criticism from some Jewish advocacy groups. The Israeli American Council launched a petition to have him removed and StopAntisemitism accused him of using the concert as a platform for what it called anti-Israel propaganda. Singer Pink also echoed criticism, but said she didn't want artists to be silenced. According to CNN, later, Macklemore claimed that Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, pressured Sheeran's camp and other venue owners to remove him from the tour. Kraft said he made the decision to ban Macklemore from playing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Sheeran is slated to perform later this month. He pointed to the rapper's recent remarks and what he called a longer pattern of rhetoric and imagery that has been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Kraft also said the decision was not meant to dismiss the suffering of Palestinians. He didn't directly answer Macklemore's claim that he’d gathered other stadium owners to oppose the rapper’s participation. Ed Sheeran responded to the controversy with a lengthy Instagram statement. He said he'd been in touch with venues this week trying to find a solution, but several venues threatened to pull their shows if Macklemore stayed on the bill. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran wrote. He said he did not want to let down fans with plans to travel and attend concerts, or the touring crew and musicians who rely on the gigs for a paycheck. Sheeran also said he was "appalled" at the Israel-Palestine conflict and the suffering on both sides. But he said he usually avoids making political statements during concerts because his audience includes young people and people from different backgrounds. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living." The singer said he would prefer his shows be spaces of safety and inclusion, but said Macklemore had the right to speak about issues he believes in. Finneas, a producer who is also Billie Eilish's brother, announced he was quitting the tour, saying "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed." Lukas Graham wrote on Instagram that wherever you come from, or whatever flag you're attached to, you should be allowed to talk about war, civilian deaths and kids affected by conflict. "We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them." Aaron Rowe said Sheeran was a friend who changed his life, but he could not stand by as rich people used their influence to silence artists talking about Palestinian suffering. Beoga, who had been playing as Sheeran's touring band, also pulled out. The group said it was a member of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement. Macklemore, a rapper best known for 2012's Thrift Shop, was scheduled to open for Sheeran at seven more stadiums in the US. A cinema enthusiast with over 12 years of experience, I bring a deep love for storytelling in all its forms—whether it’s timeless black-and-white clas... View More