Gigi Hadid backs Macklemore amid Ed Sheeran tour controversy

Gigi Hadid has expressed her support for rapper Macklemore amid a controversy surrounding his removal from Ed Sheeran's North American tour. Macklemore was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during performances in New Jersey, including shouting "Free Palestine!" and telling Palestinians they were "not forgotten."

The decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was made by the promoter, Messina Touring Group, not Ed Sheeran, according to Sheeran's Instagram post. Sheeran stated that venue managers, including Robert Kraft, owner of Boston's Gillette Stadium, had communicated that they would pull the shows if Macklemore was still supporting.

In solidarity with Macklemore, four supporting acts - Finneas, Beoga, Aaron Rowe, and Lukas Graham - quit Ed Sheeran's tour. Finneas, who has previously advocated for Palestinians, stated that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed" and added that he stands with Palestine and its people.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Euronews, Egypt Independent, The Citizen, France 24 — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.