The fallout from Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour has reached New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with a planned protest outside Sheeran’s upcoming Philadelphia concert and a growing backlash overseas.
Pro-Palestine groups Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z have organized a demonstration for Sept. 19 outside Lincoln Financial Field, where Sheeran is scheduled to perform. A flyer shared on Instagram reads, “Gaza is our compass” and “Billionaires, Zionists & Warmongers out of Philly.”
“Palestine returns to headlines across the world and we return to the streets to fight for Gaza. Free Palestine is not a tagline for celebrities or a slogan for online statements,” the groups wrote in the caption announcing the protest.
The organizers argued that Sheeran removed Macklemore from the tour “in the name of ‘neutrality’ and being ‘apolitical’ and due to threats from stadium owners, including Lincoln Financial Field.”
“There is no neutrality against oppression, only complicity. When the news cycle has moved on, we will still be here. Join us. FREE PALESTINE, FREE LEBANON, FREE CUBA, FREE CONGO, FREE SUDAN.”
How the controversy started
The dispute traces back to Macklemore’s opening performances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sept. 4 and 5, where he repeatedly called for a “Free Palestine” and performed his anti-Israel song “Hind’s Hall.” He was subsequently dropped as an opening act on Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Macklemore has alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran into cutting him from the tour, claiming Kraft told Sheeran he would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium and that Kraft encouraged other stadium owners to issue similar ultimatums.
After Macklemore’s removal, four other supporting acts pulled out of the tour, including Irish performers Aaron Rowe and Beoga, along with Lukas Graham and Finneas.
Irish radio station drops his music
The backlash has also reached overseas. Classic Hits Radio, run by Bay Broadcasting in Ireland, announced Thursday it would stop playing Sheeran’s music for “the foreseeable future” in response to listener feedback and the controversy.
Dave Kelly, the station’s group program director, told The Independent the decision “has been carefully considered” and “is not intended as a personal judgment on Ed Sheeran.”
“We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events. As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.”
Kelly added that the station “believe(s) in peace, humanity and respect” and in “the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views,” concluding that “removing Ed Sheeran’s music from our playlist is the appropriate decision for Classic Hits Radio at this time.”
Sheeran responds
Sheeran addressed the controversy in a statement on Instagram, denying he was complicit in any wrongdoing.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
He said venues on his upcoming tour dates warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained a supporting act, based on how Macklemore “conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.”
“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was ultimately the promoter’s, noting that “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”
He also explained why he generally avoids political statements on stage. “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds,” he wrote. “Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”
“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”
Representatives for Sheeran have not responded to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
