Previously, American rapper Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, better known by his stage name Macklemore, was dropped from the remainder of English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour, reportedly after making “Free Palestine” statements onstage.
The incident has since prompted the remaining support acts on Ed’s US tour, including Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Irish folk band Beoga, and Danish band Lukas Graham, to pull out as well.
Ed Sheeran responds to backlash after Macklemore was dropped from his tour
Following the backlash, Ed has since addressed the situation in an Instagram post, saying, “It’s important that I set out some facts.”
He claimed that Macklemore’s removal from the tour was not his decision, but was made by the promoter, who had a direct contract with the rapper.
Ed also explained that the decision was reportedly linked to how Macklemore delivered part of his message during his performance.
Addressing the wider Israel-Palestine conflict, Ed said:
“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.
“However, Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”
“I respect Macklemore for standing up for what he believes in”
Ed also stressed that he has always used his music and platform to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together, adding that “this won’t ever change.”
He explained that he would not want to let down fans who had already made plans to attend his shows, while also abandoning the touring crew, support acts, and musicians who depend on the tour for their livelihoods.
“Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.
“There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”
While Ed acknowledged that he has his own personal views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but chooses to show his support in his own way.
“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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.
“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.”
Stay tuned to WORLD OF BUZZ for more updates!
Also read: Concertgoers Seen Mysteriously Leaving Ed Sheeran’s Show 45mins Before it Ended in Viral Clip
