Macklemore's Tour Removal Over Palestine Remarks Roils Ed Sheeran Tour

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters criticized Ed Sheeran over the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour, praising Macklemore for doing the right thing.

Shane MacGowan's widow called on Ed Sheeran to quit his tour amid the backlash. Macklemore was dropped as an opening act from Ed Sheeran's North and South America tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage on September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium. Macklemore made an impassioned plea for "Free Palestine" and performed "Hind's Hall," a pro-Palestinian anthem he wrote about campus protests.

He clarified that his criticism of Israel's government was not aimed at Jewish people, stating: "To my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you." The remarks drew criticism from the Anti-Defamation League, StopAntisemitism, and the Israeli-American Council, which circulated a petition urging Sheeran to remove Macklemore.

Macklemore stated that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, threatened to block Sheeran from using his stadium and rally other stadium owners. Kraft, who started the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (now Blue Square Alliance), considers this fight his most meaningful work. Kraft invited Macklemore to talk, stating their shared goal is peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate.

Sheeran stated the decision to cut Macklemore was the promoter's, not his own, due to threats from upcoming venues to cancel shows. All four of Sheeran's other supporting acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, and his onstage band, have since quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Paloma Faith criticized Sheeran and questioned his claim of political neutrality, while far-right activist Tommy Robinson and Boy George expressed support for Sheeran.

Macklemore announced he would donate $1 million from his net earnings from the tour to six organizations helping Palestinians, including the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. He challenged Kraft to match the donation.