How a “Free Palestine” Movement Got Between Ed Sheeran’s Career, Macklemore, and the Whole World

British singer Ed Sheeran has been under fire on the internet for the past few days over the removal of singer Macklemore as an opener from his “Loop Tour.” While the recent conversation stemmed from Macklemore’s comments on the Palestine Genocide, fans and activists are calling out Ed Sheeran for actions beyond the current discourse.

The Macklemore Controversy

At the New Jersey stop on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, Macklemore made pro-Palestinian images of Gaza facing genocide and stated that he wished for a free Palestine. He also performed his song, “Hind’s Hall,” and while he received encouragement from pro-Palestinian fans who attended the concert, he clarified that his comments were directed at the Israeli government, not Jewish people. Groups like the Israeli American Council, StopAntisemitism, and American singer P!nk took to social media to express discomfort over his remarks.

While P!nk received social media backlash for disagreeing with Macklemore, other Jewish people stepped in to clarify that Macklemore’s comments were not antisemitic; others threatened to request refunds for their Ed Sheeran tour tickets if Macklemore was not removed from the tour.

**P!nk’s Response to the Backlash **

P!nk received backlash from social media activists over likening the pro-Palestinian comments made by Macklemore to antisemitism. In response, she took to social media to share her support for Jewish causes, which led to more backlash.

She eventually shared a statement explaining that the comments had hit her in a bad light due to being a Jewish person herself who only wanted peace for both countries. She clarified that she acknowledged the suffering of the Israeli and Palestinian people. Despite her clarification, P!nk has been accused of helping escalate the situation.

**The Response To Macklemore Being Removed From The Tour **

A few days after the backlash, Macklemore was dropped as the opener of the Loop Tour after venue owners, including Robert Kraft, disagreed with his comments and pressured Ed Sheeran to remove him from the tour or face the consequence of not being allowed to perform at select venues.

After being dropped from the tour, Macklemore released a statement calling for the freedom and support of Palestinian people and detailing Ed Sheeran’s response. In his words, Ed Sheeran claimed that the words “Free Palestine” and the image of the Palestine flag were hurtful to people, adding that he does not take sides in political conflicts.

**Ed Sheeran’s Response And The Backlash That Followed **

In response to Macklemore’s statement and the backlash that followed, Ed Sheeran took to Instagram to say he doesn’t use his platform for politics to protect the young audience and children who follow him. He also added that he wished for peace between Palestine and Israel.

After his statements, all the supporting artists on his tour, including Lukas Graham, Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, and a Danish band, pulled out in support of the Palestinian people. Ed Sheeran has yet to respond to his supporting acts and band pulling out of the tour.

Ed Sheeran’s Political Past and Miss Rachael’s Actions

In response to Ed Sheeran’s comment on not taking sides or being political, activists pointed out his participation in concerts and support for the Ukrainian people during the Russian and Ukrainian war, which he spoke about publicly. Ed Sheeran expressed public support for Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion through fundraising concerts, charity song collaborations, and direct solidarity messages.

Activists like children’s educator and creator Miss Rachael have called out Ed Sheeran’s comments and called for support for Palestinians who have continued to suffer the effects of the ongoing genocide by Israel.

In support of Palestine, Macklemore made another statement announcing a $1 million donation to Palestine Relief and invited Robert Kraft to join him. While Robert Kraft said he would match the donation, people have pointed out the inconsistency between his statement and his reaction to Macklemore’s support for Palestine.

Ms Rachael has pledged to match the $1 million donation and has encouraged other celebrities to match the amount.

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