Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after 'Free Palestine' speech
Rapper Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour following his vocal pro-Palestinian statements during recent concerts. The artist stands by his comments, while critics have accused him of using the platform for political propaganda.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between artists using their platforms for political activism and the expectations of concert promoters and audiences.
Image source, Kristy Sparow/Getty Images By Gabriela Pomeroy Published 14 minutes ago Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage earlier this month.
The artist - whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty - had been the opening act for Sheeran's Loop tour, but was criticised by Jewish groups after saying "Free Palestine" at two concerts and making political speeches.
Macklemore stood by his comments on Monday, confirming that he had been cut from the tour and writing in a statement that the real victims are the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Ed Sheeran has not yet commented, and who will replace Macklemore for the rest of the tour is unknown.
The controversy began on 4 September, when Macklemore, a long-time pro-Palestine activist, performed at Ed Sheeran's concert at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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