Key facts
- Ed Sheeran's US tour promoters dropped opening act Macklemore due to his "Free Palestine" speech and comments on Gaza.
- Sheeran stated he was not responsible for Macklemore's removal, attributing the decision to promoters.
- Critics accused Sheeran of cowardice and complicity for his handling of the controversy.
- Several other support acts withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
- Sheeran's carefully cultivated "Mr Nice Guy" persona has been damaged by the incident.
Ed Sheeran is facing a significant career crisis after his US tour promoters removed opening act Macklemore due to the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements. Macklemore's speeches on stage, including references to "Free Palestine" and calling the death toll in Gaza a "genocide," drew condemnation from groups like StopAntisemitism. Stadium owners, reportedly led by billionaire Robert Kraft, pressured Sheeran and his promoters to drop Macklemore. After a week of discussions, Macklemore was removed from the tour. Sheeran issued a statement on Tuesday, asserting that the decision was made by promoters and not by him. He claimed he had attempted to mediate but failed, and that his public neutrality on the conflict did not signify a lack of care. Sheeran stated his concerts are intended as a "place of safety and sanctuary" for all audience members, including children. However, his statement was met with criticism, with some questioning his silence on the number of children killed in Gaza and pointing to his past political activism, such as wearing a "justice for Grenfell" T-shirt and participating in the Concert For Ukraine. Music journalist Jeffrey Ingold described Sheeran's apparent acceptance of Macklemore's removal as "cowardice," suggesting Sheeran, with his considerable power and leverage, could have refused to perform or found alternative venues. The controversy intensified when other support acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga, withdrew from the remaining shows in solidarity with Macklemore, citing concerns about free speech. Jem Aswad, executive music editor of Variety, suggested that neutrality on the issue is impossible and that while the controversy might not cause long-term career damage with his core fanbase, it has impacted public perception of Sheeran's behavior. Sheeran is scheduled to play his next show in Philadelphia on Saturday.