Key facts
- Ed Sheeran's weekend shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, were canceled due to severe weather warnings.
- Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, is described as a pro-Israel billionaire who reportedly pressured for Macklemore's removal.
- Macklemore announced a solo "Free Palestine" concert tour starting next month.
- All opening acts for Ed Sheeran's tour withdrew in protest of Macklemore's removal.
- Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million earned from previous Sheeran tour concerts to Palestinian support organizations.
- Ms Rachel announced she would match Macklemore's donation and called on wealthy celebrities to speak out against the situation in Gaza.
Ed Sheeran's scheduled weekend concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, have been canceled due to severe weather warnings. The decision was made by concert promoter Messina Touring, prioritizing the safety of fans and staff.
The shows were owned by pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft, who had reportedly pressured Sheeran to remove his pro-Palestinian support act, Macklemore. Sheeran himself had apologized to fans in Philadelphia for difficult decisions made on the tour and called Israel's actions in Gaza "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate."
Macklemore, who was removed from Sheeran's tour after his pro-Palestinian remarks and performance of his anthem "Hind's Hall," announced he would embark on his own "Free Palestine" concert tour starting next month. Proceeds from this tour will be donated to organizations supporting Palestinians. He stated that "being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore" and that artists should use their platforms for more than entertainment.
In solidarity with Macklemore, all other opening acts on Sheeran's tour withdrew. Macklemore also pledged to donate $1 million earned from his previous concerts with Sheeran to Palestinian relief organizations. Following this, children's YouTube creator Ms Rachel announced she would match Macklemore's donation and urged wealthy celebrities to speak out against the situation in Gaza.