US rapper Macklemore launches 'Free Palestine Tour' after Ed Sheeran fallout
Rapper Macklemore has launched a 'Free Palestine Tour' after being removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour due to his pro-Palestinian stage comments. The move has sparked debate regarding free speech and the political responsibilities of artists.
Why it matters
This incident reflects the growing tension in the entertainment industry regarding political activism and the potential professional consequences for artists taking controversial stances.
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour after shouting 'Free Palestine!' on stage (ARNAUD FINISTRE) US rapper Macklemore on Monday launched his new "Free Palestine Tour" in Dublin after being dropped as a supporting act by British pop star Ed Sheeran over pro-Palestinian comments.
Standing in lines outside the venue for the first show in the Irish capital, which promoters said had sold out, excited fans praised the 43-year-old's stance.
"Macklemore's support for Palestine is huge. He's stood up and he's put himself on the line instead of taking the easy way out," said Michael Keating, a 31-year-old who works in insurance, told AFP.
"He's risking his popularity, his future, his family's future -- everything just for peace. And it is very important."
The "Thrift Shop" star was removed from Sheeran's US tour after shouting "Free Palestine!" on stage and telling Palestinians they were "not forgotten".
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