Daily News 19

Tag: Macklemore

  • AOC Won’t Listen to Ed Sheeran but Empathizes With His Situation

    AOC Won’t Listen to Ed Sheeran but Empathizes With His Situation

    Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Tuesday she is tuning out Ed Sheeran, framing the musician as a minor player in a larger controversy involving rapper Macklemore. The New York congresswoman made the comments during an encounter with a reporter.

    Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged Sheeran’s involvement but characterized him as “really only a pawn in the whole Macklemore saga,” suggesting the British singer-songwriter is not the primary focus of her criticism.

    The interaction took place as the lawmaker was approached for comment on the developing situation. Further details regarding the specific nature of the “Macklemore saga” and Sheeran’s connection to it were not immediately elaborated on during the brief exchange.

  • Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Another Support Act as Finneas Exits After Macklemore Dropped From Lineup

    Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Another Support Act as Finneas Exits After Macklemore Dropped From Lineup

    Key Highlights

    • Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in solidarity after Macklemore was removed over pro-Palestine remarks.
    • Macklemore was dropped from remaining U.S. dates after Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, reportedly issued an ultimatum labeling the rapper’s comments “hate speech.”
    • Ed Sheeran stated the decision was made by the promoter, not him, emphasizing he would not abandon fans, crew, or support acts.

    Macklemore’s Removal Sparks Cascade of Artist Withdrawals

    The fallout from Macklemore’s exit from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has expanded rapidly, with four additional acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham — announcing their withdrawal from upcoming dates. The chain of events began after the Seattle-born rapper, whose legal name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, delivered an on-stage appeal to “free Palestine” during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The comments drew sharp criticism and, according to Macklemore, prompted New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — who controls Gillette Stadium, a tour venue — to issue an ultimatum to Sheeran’s camp.

    Promoter’s Decision, Not Sheeran’s, Says Singer

    In a public statement addressing the controversy, Ed Sheeran distanced himself from the decision to remove Macklemore. “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,” Sheeran wrote. He added, “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.” Kraft, for his part, stated he would not provide a platform for “hate speech,” a characterization Macklemore and his supporters strongly dispute.

    Solidarity Withdrawals Cite Moral Obligation

    The first to exit in protest was Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who had been featured on the North American leg. “As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” Rowe wrote. “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE.”

    Shortly after, Finneas — the Grammy-winning producer and brother of Billie Eilish — confirmed he would not perform on six scheduled South American dates in late November and early December. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he stated. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

    Irish folk-traditional band Beoga, founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, followed suit. “We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” the group declared. Danish pop band Lukas Graham announced its departure moments later, writing, “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them. I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We’re withdrawing from the remaining dates.”

    Why This Matters

    The rapid succession of withdrawals highlights a growing tension in the live entertainment industry between venue stakeholders, promoters, and artists over political expression. The involvement of Robert Kraft — a major NFL owner and stadium operator — underscores how venue ownership can exert leverage over tour logistics and lineups. For Sheeran, one of the world’s highest-grossing touring acts, the situation presents a reputational challenge: he has framed the decision as outside his control, yet the exodus of support acts suggests many artists view continued participation as complicity. The episode also reflects a broader pattern of cultural workers using tour platforms to advocate for Palestinian rights, drawing parallels to historical Irish anti-colonial struggles cited by Rowe and Beoga. With the tour’s South American leg still months away, further lineup changes or promoter responses remain possible.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
    Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates after he called to “free Palestine” during a September 4 show at MetLife Stadium. He alleges Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, gave Sheeran an ultimatum, and Kraft later said he would not provide a platform for “hate speech.”
    Which artists have quit the tour in protest?
    As of the latest announcements, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Finneas (brother of Billie Eilish), Irish band Beoga, and Danish group Lukas Graham have all withdrawn from upcoming tour dates.
    What has Ed Sheeran said about the situation?
    Sheeran stated the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not him, and emphasized he would not let down fans, crew, or other support acts who depend on the tour for their livelihood.
  • Finneas Drops Out of Ed Sheeran Tour in Solidarity with Macklemore

    Finneas Drops Out of Ed Sheeran Tour in Solidarity with Macklemore

    Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour has lost another opening act, with Finneas O’Connell announcing his departure from the remaining North American dates. The move comes just weeks after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following controversial remarks he made during a pro-Palestine rally in Seattle.

    Finneas Exits Tour Citing Scheduling Conflicts

    Finneas, the Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist known for his work with sister Billie Eilish, confirmed he would no longer serve as a supporting act for Sheeran’s stadium run. In a statement shared to social media, Finneas wrote: “Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with my own project timelines, I’m unable to continue as support on the remaining Ed Sheeran tour dates. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one I have to make for my own creative path.”

    The announcement leaves Sheeran without two high-profile openers in quick succession, raising questions about the tour’s support bill for its final leg across the United States and Canada.

    Macklemore Removed After “Free Palestine” Chant

    The instability follows the removal of Macklemore, who had been scheduled to open several shows earlier this summer. The Seattle rapper was dropped after video surfaced of him leading a “Free Palestine” chant at a pro-Palestinian protest in his hometown. Sheeran’s team later confirmed the decision in a brief statement, saying the tour “aims to remain a non-political space for music and connection.”

    Macklemore responded on Instagram, writing: “I stand by what I said. Art and activism have always been inseparable for me. I have no regrets.”

    Tour Continues Amid Lineup Shifts

    Despite the turnover, Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour continues its North American stadium run through September. The British singer-songwriter has not announced replacement openers for the affected dates. Ticket holders for shows originally featuring Finneas or Macklemore have been notified that the main performance schedule remains unchanged.

    Industry observers note the unusual frequency of opener changes on a major stadium tour, though representatives for Sheeran insist the transitions are logistical rather than political.

  • Ms. Rachel Slams Ed Sheeran for Dropping Macklemore from Tour

    Ms. Rachel Slams Ed Sheeran for Dropping Macklemore from Tour

    Popular children’s YouTube creator Ms Rachel, known off-screen as Rachel Griffin Accurso, has publicly criticized Ed Sheeran after the singer removed rapper Macklemore as a supporting act for the U.S. leg of his Mathematics Tour.

    Macklemore Removed Following Pro-Palestine Remarks

    The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his set, the rapper voiced support for Palestine on stage. Shortly after, reports emerged that several venues refused to host the scheduled concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.

    On September 15, Sheeran released a statement addressing the decision. He said he had “tried to build a bridge” over the previous week but was ultimately unable to resolve the situation. Sheeran emphasized that dropping Macklemore “was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” He added that while he does not make his personal views public, “it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” explaining that he wants to keep his performances non-political.

    Ms Rachel Condemns Silence on Gaza

    Ms Rachel responded with a series of social media posts condemning Sheeran’s stance. In her statement, she wrote:

    “It’s not wrong to say Palestinian people should be able to be free, and Palestinian kids should be able to grow up.”

    “It’s wrong to be silent during a genocide.”

    She continued her advocacy in subsequent posts, stating:

    “Imagine looking back 20 years from now at yourself kicking someone off a tour because they spoke out during a genocide that has killed over 20,000 kids.”

    Accusations of Double Standards

    Ms Rachel also highlighted what she described as a double standard in Sheeran’s approach to political statements. She noted that the singer previously performed a concert in support of Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion but “considers Palestine too dangerous and political.”

    “Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine,” she wrote.

    “Instead he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it.”

    Second Support Act Withdraws in Protest

    The fallout expanded when Irish performer Aaron Rowe, another support act on the tour, announced he was quitting. Rowe, who credited Sheeran as a friend who “changed my life,” said he could not continue under the circumstances.

    “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. “

    “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.”

    “I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”

    Tour Continues Amid Lineup Changes

    Sheeran’s tour is scheduled to proceed as planned, with the next date set for September 19 in Philadelphia. The singer will now need to fill multiple openings on his supporting lineup following the departures of both Macklemore and Rowe.

    LADbible Group has contacted Ed Sheeran’s representatives for comment.

  • Macklemore Responds After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Onstage Comments

    Macklemore Responds After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Onstage Comments

    Macklemore has responded after being removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his onstage remarks about the war in Palestine. The rapper’s call to “free Palestine” also drew criticism from pop star Pink, which he addresses in his statement. Pink, who was born to a Jewish mother, said she would “keep speaking out” despite being “hurt” by backlash after reposting criticism of Macklemore’s speech.

    Macklemore’s Full Statement

    In a lengthy Instagram post, Macklemore wrote:

    “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.

    “But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious. In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.

    “The victims are the Palestinian people. The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence. More than 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza alone. People are being killed today, and people will be killed tomorrow. I want to make sure that as I tell this story, we don’t lose sight of that.”

    Context Behind the Tour Removal

    Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last week. During that performance, he told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten amid the conflict with Israel.

    The conflict escalated following the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza. More than 73,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then.

    Pressure from Stadium Owners

    Macklemore’s statement continues with details about the pressure applied to Sheeran:

    “Last Monday, in the middle of all the media attention surrounding Pink and what I said at MetLife, Ed told me that Robert Kraft called him. We were scheduled to play Gillette Stadium later this month, which is owned by the Kraft Group. Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.

    “Ed was in a ****** up position. He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before. He told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with. I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn’t get past his public facing: I don’t take sides.

    “And I get why people don’t. Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed. When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn’t leave you in the middle.”

    Previous Comments on Jewish Community

    Macklemore previously said his criticism of Israel is “in no way a criticism” of his “Jewish brothers and sisters” and that he is fighting for “equality.”