Ed Sheeran mural in Dunedin tagged after Macklemore removed from US tour
A mural of Ed Sheeran in New Zealand was defaced with 'Free Palestine' graffiti following the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's US tour. The removal occurred after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements on stage, leading to backlash against Sheeran for his perceived neutrality.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing tension between artists, promoters, and political expression in the music industry, as well as the public's demand for artists to take stances on global conflicts.
Dunedin’s landmark Ed Sheeran mural has been defaced by the words ‘Free Palestine’ after rapper Macklemore was removed from the British singer’s United States tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
Large black lettering was painted across the bottom of the Bath St mural, while red paint splashed across the portrait dripped down the singer’s face and neck.
The graffiti comes as Sheeran faces a growing online backlash over his response to Macklemore’s removal , with some fans demanding refunds and critics questioning his insistence that his concerts remain apolitical.
The rapper shouted “Free Palestine” during an opening set at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium this month, while showing images of destruction in Gaza, before introducing Hind’s Hall , a song supporting Palestinians named after 5-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
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