Pop star Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from his US concert tour was made by organisers, not him, after he failed to defuse the latest show-business furore over the Gaza conflict.
Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel’s assault on Gaza, was axed from the US leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his ‘Free Palestine’ remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash.
The devastation in Gaza, following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has spawned multiple controversies in the entertainment and publishing worlds, with pro-Palestinian, Jewish and Israeli personalities all saying they have lost work as a result of their stances.
Venue owners said they would not allow a concert with Macklemore in the lineup.
“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge ... I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final,” Sheeran said on Tuesday via X.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.”
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