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Sheeran Says Promoter, Not Him, Dropped Macklemore From Tour
Ed Sheeran is taking his concert tour across the United States.
Macklemore was supposed to perform at many of the remaining shows.
Macklemore has spoken publicly in support of Palestinians and said “Free Palestine” at a concert.
Some venues said they would not host shows with him in the lineup.
Sheeran said the promoters made the final decision to remove Macklemore, not him.
Several other performers then left the tour to support Macklemore.
Some Jewish and pro-Israeli groups said Macklemore’s words could make people feel unsafe.
Sheeran said he cares about the conflict but wants his concerts to focus on music and unity.
Macklemore said stadium owner Robert Kraft helped persuade other venues, but Kraft has not responded publicly to that claim.
Ed Sheeran said concert promoters, not he, decided to remove Macklemore from the U.S. leg of his tour.
The decision followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks and venues’ refusal to host shows featuring him.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga said they would leave the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Pro-Israeli groups and Pink criticized Macklemore’s comments, citing concerns about Jewish and pro-Israeli people’s safety.
Macklemore said Robert Kraft encouraged stadium owners to exclude him, but Kraft has not publicly addressed that claim.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, tour promoters and venues, and several departing opening acts are involved.
- What
- Macklemore was removed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour after pro-Palestinian remarks, prompting other performers to leave in solidarity.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour, including scheduled shows in Philadelphia and near Boston.
- When
- Sheeran announced the decision on Tuesday, ahead of the tour’s scheduled September 19 resumption.
- Why
- Venues and promoters cited concerns surrounding Macklemore’s political statements and the resulting backlash; Sheeran said the final decision was theirs.
Pro-Palestinian and artist solidarity view
Critics and venue concerns
Macklemore’s removal
Pro-Palestinian and artist solidarity view
Macklemore and supporting artists viewed his removal as silencing political speech and stood behind his right to speak for Palestinians.
Critics and venue concerns
Promoters and venues concluded that allowing Macklemore to perform could intensify controversy and affect the safety or comfort of Jewish and pro-Israeli attendees.
Role of concerts
Pro-Palestinian and artist solidarity view
Macklemore and departing performers treated the stadium shows as opportunities to express opposition to the conflict and support oppressed people.
Critics and venue concerns
Sheeran said audiences come to his concerts for music, unity, joy and escapism rather than a political forum.
Language and symbolism
Pro-Palestinian and artist solidarity view
Macklemore’s supporters defended his use of “Free Palestine” and said he was being silenced by pro-Israeli lobbying.
Critics and venue concerns
Critics cited his past costume controversy and objected to language they said could draw on antisemitic stereotypes or threaten Jewish people.
Key facts
- Tour status
- Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining 10 shows.
- Tour resumption
- The tour was scheduled to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.
- Promoter decision
- Sheeran said promoters made the decision to remove Macklemore, not him.
- Departing performers
- Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga said they were leaving the tour.
- Macklemore’s position
- He said he wanted to use the tour to publicly support Palestinians and say “Free Palestine.”
- Robert Kraft’s role
- Macklemore said Kraft encouraged other stadium owners to exclude him; Kraft had not publicly addressed the claim.
- Earlier controversy
- Macklemore apologized for a 2014 appearance that critics said used antisemitic stereotypes.
Quotes
Ed Sheeran
English pop star and headliner of the Loop Tour
“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge … I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”
theprint.in
“I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
theprint.in
Sources
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