It had been years since Macklemore (Seattle, 43 years old) generated as much international media attention as in recent weeks. The American rapper has been in the news these days, first for his public support of Palestine and then for the boycott he suffered because of it. After weeks touring various cities in the United States as the opening act for Ed Sheeran (Halifax, 35 years old) on his Loop Tour, his statements in favor of a “free Palestine” during two of his performances placed him at the center of a controversy for which some demanded his removal from the British singer’s tour. This request was fulfilled on Monday, September 14, when Macklemore himself published a statement on his Instagram profile — with 7.3 million followers — announcing that he would not participate in the remaining concerts. “I’m going to speak from the heart and share the truth. Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop Tour,” began the statement that has received millions of likes, and in which he gave his version of what happened after the announcement of his removal by the promoter Messina Touring Group.
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Hours later, and after public support for the rapper from several well-known personalities, it was Sheeran who used this same social network — where he has 47.5 million followers — to give his version of what happened, although his message is much more politically correct than the one Macklemore published. “I am horrified by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides constitute a human tragedy. There are too many wars around the world causing immeasurable pain, and none of them should be tolerated,” the singer states at the beginning of the long statement on his Instagram. “Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed because I respect him as an artist. As with all my opening acts, I agree that they play the repertoire they choose,” he adds in the first of the six images that make up the statement.
The British singer comments that, after Macklemore’s performance in New Jersey, where he shouted “Free Palestine” and projected videos of the destruction of Gaza on the stadium screens, the venues for the upcoming dates of the U.S. leg of his tour informed him that they would cancel the concerts if he continued to be his opening act. “I was informed that this stance was based on the way Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than everything that was said. I spoke at length with the venue managers throughout the week to try to build bridges. One of those people was Robert Kraft [owner of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts]. I also participated in direct conversations with promoters, along with activists from both sides, to try to find a mutual solution for everyone, but the decision of the venues and promoters was final,” Sheeran details. Macklemore already pointed to Kraft in his Monday message as responsible for starting the campaign to end his performances.
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The performer of hits like Shape of You or Happier emphasizes that Macklemore’s removal from his tour “was the promoter’s decision,” not his. “I would never let down fans who had made plans, nor abandon the tour team or the other opening acts and musicians who depend on me to work and make a living,” he stresses. And he adds: “I have always used my platform and my music to bring together people from all backgrounds and cultures, and that will never change. Those who have attended any of my shows know that they are based on unity, joy, escapism, and love, and that they are a space where everyone feels welcome.”
In the penultimate image of his post — which is closed to comments — the British singer justifies his decision “not to use his professional platform to talk about politics,” arguing that his audience includes young people, often children. “I respect Macklemore’s firmness in raising his voice and defending his convictions. However, there is room for different approaches with the same goal: peace. I choose to use my fame and my platform to offer a safe and refuge space, to maintain diplomacy and foster dialogue rather than close it. If we limit ourselves to trying to shout louder than others, nothing will ever change. There are various ways to advocate for change,” Sheeran defends, signing the statement simply as “Ed.”
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“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution, and unfortunately I have not succeeded. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart also know my values,” the statement concludes.
Sheeran’s correct response contrasts with the forcefulness used by his former opening act, who did not hesitate to again show his full support for Palestine. “Before going deeper, I want to say something that should be obvious. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, security, and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we can go home to our families,” he said in his message. “The victims are the Palestinian people: the men, women, and children who have been killed, subjected to starvation, displaced, and forced to live unimaginable violence. People are being killed today, and people will continue to be killed tomorrow. I want to make sure that, in telling this story, we do not lose sight of that,” he continued in a message in which he also called Sheeran a “brother” and hoped that this clash would not be the end of a friendship that goes back 13 years.
On Tuesday, before Sheeran spoke out, several public figures showed their support for the rapper. Greta Thunberg, Hannah Einbinder, and Spanish singer Judeline are some examples.
