Macklemore is receiving support after being removed from Ed Sheeran‘s tour following his recent comments about Palestine. The rapper has addressed the issue in a lengthy post, explaining his perspective as the decision continues to generate discussion.
While some have criticized Macklemore’s remarks, others have defended his right to speak out, with several figures now weighing in on the controversy.
Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, was recently booted as Ed Sheeran’s opening act for the Loop Tour after intense backlash over his pro-Palestine remarks at a performance in early September. The concert promoter issued a statement that said venues would not allow concerts to take place if the rapper is one of the performers, per The Blast.
Following his dismissal, Macklemore took to social media and posted a lengthy statement, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his removal. He prefaced it by again highlighting how many people have been killed in Gaza.
The artist went on to say that he had “difficult conversations” with Sheeran about the decision to axe him, sharing that they still have “love and respect” for each other but are in “fundamental disagreement.”
Macklemore revealed that billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, wouldn’t allow Sheeran to perform at the venue if the rapper is included in the lineup. He also claimed Kraft “rallied” other stadium owners to do the same.
The rapper said Sheeran was put in a “f-cked up position” but was firm in his “apolitical stance.”
Several Public Figures Rallied Behind The Singer
Elsewhere in his post, Macklemore noted that he understood why people don’t publicly express their opinions. However, he also noted that he has been vocal for years. “Why is it an issue now? Because now I’m sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, in some of the biggest stadiums in America,” he wrote.
He concluded by writing, “Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
Several personalities supported Macklemore. British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith commented on the post, writing, “You are a rare and important voice… You are a hero.” Rosie O’Donnell also stands with the singer “in solidarity.” Kehlani, Kevin McHale, Xavier Dolan, and Lauren Jauregui also stood in Macklemore’s corner.
Likewise, rock band Garbage made an Instagram post about the issue, writing in part, “Can I remind everyone that nothing Macklemore actually said was violent or hateful or remotely radical.”
Robert Kraft Offers To Sit Down And Have A Discussion With Macklemore
In a statement, Kraft confirmed that he banned Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium because he believed what the singer said was “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”
The New England Patriots owner agreed that many lives have been lost in the Gaza War, but said “only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate,” per ESPN. Kraft added that he has been providing resources and opportunities to Palestinians for decades.
“I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same – peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate,” Kraft said.
Ed Sheeran Called Out For Apolitical Stance
Sheeran is also facing his share of backlash after booting Macklemore. YouTuber and activist Ms. Rachel took to Instagram and called out the singer for not using the opportunity to speak out. Pop band MUNA also stood by Macklemore, saying, “Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic,” per Billboard.
One online user noted, “The ‘I don’t take sides’ part is sending me because Ed Sheeran somehow managed to take a side while claiming he doesn’t.”
“Ed Sheeran is a coward afraid to make a stance or say anything real at the risk of losing his reputation, position of influence, and money. Lame,” another person wrote.
Macklemore Clarifies His Position On The Issue
A past incident has resurfaced amid the recent controversy. In 2014, Macklemore performed wearing a black wig, fake beard, and a large prosthetic nose that many critics described as antisemitic Jewish caricature. The singer said he picked the items randomly and did not intend to be hateful, and the Anti-Defamation League accepted his apology.
Macklemore has repeatedly clarified his stance, saying that his disapproval of Israel’s actions does not equate to criticizing Jews. At the same concert where he exclaimed “Free Palestine,” he also said, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters. Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you.”
