Ed Sheeran announced the removal of Macklemore as the opening artist for his tour in North and South America. This decision was made due to Macklemore's statements about Palestine during his concert in New Jersey. Following this decision, other supporting artists have also exited Sheeran's tour.
Exit of other artists from the tour
Macklemore, who shouted "Free Palestine" at the concert on September 5 in New Jersey, stated that his removal was the result of efforts by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots football team. Kraft, who also owns Gillette Stadium where Sheeran is set to perform, stated that this decision is related to Macklemore's recent statements and a broader history of disrespect towards Jews.
After Macklemore's removal, artists such as Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga also announced that they would exit the tour. Finneas, who was recently set to be the opening artist for Sheeran's tour, wrote in a statement: "Artists should not be silent when speaking for the oppressed."
Ed Sheeran's positions and reactions
Sheeran stated in a statement that the decision to remove Macklemore was not his own and that he does not want to disappoint his fans in any way. He emphasized that he "never wants to disappoint his fans who have made plans" and has refrained from entering political discussions regarding the Gaza war.
After the removal of the supporting artists, Sheeran clarified in a statement that "I am in no way to blame in this matter" and expressed his concerns about the situation of the war in Gaza. He also noted that "the reason he does not use his professional platform for politics is that his audience includes young people and children from all walks of life."
Sheeran has previously engaged in concerts to support Ukraine and against racism in the UK, but this time it seems he is inclined to avoid entering political discussions.
Source: independent.co.uk
