Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore controversy as all supporting acts withdraw from tour
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ed Sheeran has issued a statement over the Macklemore controversy as all four supporting acts for the Loop tour have backed out in support of the 43-year-old rapper.
The English singer, 35, has claimed “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision” and not his, after the American rapper made comments in support of Palestine during his set for Sheeran’s two live dates in New Jersey earlier this month.
Ed Sheeran says he failed to find a solution
Sheeran’s lengthy statement clarified that “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge,” before noting, “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.”
The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker further stated that he’s “always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change,” as he added, “I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
Supporting acts and singers say they cannot let rich 'silence the rightful voices'
But hours after Sheeran’s statement was released, Aaron Rowe, the Irish musician set to open for him for his North American shows, announced his withdrawal from the tour.
He said, “Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about ge**cide, 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 ge**cide and who highlight the savage m**der of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal,” Rowe added.
Another artist, Finneas, who was scheduled to be part of Sheeran’s tour, decided to withdraw.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people,” the 29-year-old musician posted on social media.
Danish pop band Lukas Graham says we are 'able to speak about war'
The Irish band Beoga, which performs as Sheeran’s backing band, agreed with the singers as they announced, “We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us. We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”
The Danish pop band Lukas Graham joined other singers as well and their statement read, “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.”
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge,” they added.
Macklemore asserts 'there is no neutral position between oppressor and oppressed'
This came after Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, released his own statement after being dropped from Sheeran's US tour.
Though he acknowledged that the whole situation has been difficult for the 'Perfect' singer, he also noted that "taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed."
"When criticizing Israel, opposing Zionism or saying "Free Palestine" gets conflated with hatred of Jewish people, it doesn't protect Jewish people. It protects Israel from accountability," the rapper added.
