Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore from US concert tour was not his decision
Sept 15 (Reuters) - Pop star Ed Sheeran said on Tuesday dropping American rapper Macklemore from his U.S. concert tour was not Sheeran's decision but that of the tour's promoter, even as Sheeran distinguished his political approach from Macklemore's.
Ed Sheeran announced on Tuesday that American rapper Macklemore was removed from his U.S. concert tour, stating the decision was not his but made by the tour promoter. Macklemore's exclusion came after his pro-Palestinian statements during a concert in New Jersey on September 4. Sheeran's tour lineup, including musicians Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, also decided to leave due to support for Macklemore and solidarity with Palestinians.
The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, cited venue owners refusing to host shows with Macklemore as the reason for Sheeran's removal. Macklemore, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, released a protest anthem in 2024. Sheeran expressed respect for Macklemore's stance but believed in not using his platform for political purposes.
Some artists and political figures supported Macklemore's comments, while others, including Pro-Israeli groups and Pink, criticized his remarks, citing potential safety risks for Jewish and pro-Israeli individuals.
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