Pop singer Ed Sheeran used his Instagram account on Tuesday to address the recent removal of rapper Macklemore from the U.S. leg of his Loop Tour. Sheeran emphasized that the decision was not his own, but was taken by the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, after venue owners expressed that they would not allow a concert to proceed with Macklemore on the bill.
Promoter cites venue safety concerns
Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone that several venue owners on upcoming dates warned they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained in the lineup. The promoters said the safety of concert‑goers, particularly Jewish and pro‑Israel attendees, was the primary reason for the change.
Macklemore’s recent statements
Macklemore was dropped after making pro‑Palestinian comments and chanting “Free Palestine” during a September 4 concert in New Jersey. The rapper has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, and in 2024 released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest anthem honoring Palestinian demonstrators and the memory of five‑year‑old Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza.
Sheeran’s stance on politics in his shows
While Sheeran praised Macklemore’s “strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” he reiterated his own policy of keeping his professional platform free from political statements. Sheeran said he respects the artist’s convictions but believes concerts should remain a space for music rather than political debate.
Reactions from advocacy groups
Pro‑Palestinian advocacy groups and several politicians have voiced support for Macklemore, arguing that his remarks are an exercise of free speech. Conversely, pro‑Israel organizations and singer Pink, who is Jewish, criticized the comments, saying they could endanger Jewish and pro‑Israel concert‑goers.
Past controversy
The article also referenced a 2014 incident in which Macklemore wore a costume featuring a black wig, beard, and a fake hooked nose, a portrayal that many critics labeled as invoking antisemitic stereotypes. Macklemore later apologized for that costume.
Macklemore’s response
On Monday, Macklemore denied that his remarks were antisemitic, stating that conflating criticism of Israel’s actions with antisemitism is an attempt to avoid accountability for Israel’s policies.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between artists who use their platforms for political expression and promoters who must balance artistic freedom with venue safety and audience concerns.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
