Macklemore is no longer opening the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The rapper used his set at MetLife Stadium to call for the liberation of Palestine and to say that a genocide is happening in Gaza, and the promoter later said upcoming venues would not allow the concerts to proceed with him on the lineup. The tour resumes Saturday in Philadelphia without him.
In his own statement, Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran while other stadium owners joined the ultimatum. He also pushed back on the idea that he or Sheeran are the story here, saying the victims are the Palestinian people, and added that his 13-year friendship with Sheeran is not over. Sheeran has not responded publicly.
The response from other artists came fast. Ms. Rachel, the children’s educator whose videos are a staple in millions of homes, spoke out in Macklemore’s defense, along with Garbage, MUNA and Kehlani. The debate now is less about one rapper and more about whether venues should get to decide which political statements make it to the stage. Where do you land on that?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.