Macklemore begins Free Palestine tour after Ed Sheeran fallout
Rapper Macklemore has launched his 'Free Palestine' tour in Dublin following his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour due to his vocal support for Palestinians. The artist has pledged to donate all tour proceeds to organizations supporting Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of celebrity activism, political controversy, and the professional consequences for artists taking public stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Macklemore has pledged to donate the proceeds from his tour to organisations supporting Palestinians
Macklemore has begun his Free Palestine tour in Dublin after Ed Sheeran's controversial decision to drop the rapper from his tour last month.
The American star is playing to a crowd of up to 13,000 at the city's 3Arena - and, hours before the sell-crowd show, had promised "many incredible surprise guests".
The artist - whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty - announced the tour days after being dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made onstage.
He was criticised by Jewish groups after saying "Free Palestine" at two concerts and making political speeches, including referring to the death toll from Israel's military action in Gaza as a genocide - a claim that Israel rejects.
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