"Free Palestine" comments cost Macklemore his tour slot

Pop star Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from his U.S. concert tour was made by organisers, not him, after he failed to defuse the latest show-business furore over the Gaza conflict.

Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel's assault on Gaza, was axed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour after his "Free Palestine" remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash.

Venue owners said they would not allow a concert with Macklemore in the lineup.

"I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge ... 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 on Tuesday via X.

"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine."

The devastation in Gaza, following militant group Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has spawned multiple controversies in the entertainment world, including at this month's Venice Film Festival where pro-Palestinian actor Susan Sarandon said she was still losing work.

In solidarity with Macklemore, Sheeran's opening acts – including musician Finneas, Danish band Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe – and his band Beoga are leaving the tour.

"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," Finneas said, while Rowe and Beoga cited their nation Ireland's history under colonization to explain their decision.

SHEERAN: 'I AM NOT COMPLICIT'

Sheeran said he was appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestinians but wanted his concerts to be a place of unity, joy, escapism and love – free of politics.

"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," he said.

"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."

Macklemore, a Grammy-winning artist, had been due to perform at eight of 10 shows Sheeran has left on his stadium tour, which is to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.

"A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free ‌Palestine,'" Macklemore said earlier this month.

"I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them."

Sheeran said those he had spoken to in search of a solution included billionaire Robert Kraft who had rallied support among some stadium owners opposed to his participation.

Pro-Israeli groups and American singer Pink, who is Jewish, have said Macklemore's comments risk compromising the safety of Jewish and pro-Israeli people at events. 

They also point to a 2014 costume that Macklemore wore, which included a black wig, beard and a fake hooked nose, which critics said tapped into antisemitic stereotypes. 

Macklemore later apologised for that.