In a shocking turn of events, rapper Macklemore has been dropped as the opening artist from the remaining shows on Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour. The reason: his uncensored support for a Free Palestine.
Apparently, multiple venues threatened to cancel shows unless Macklemore is dropped from the line up. The controversy was triggered for Macklemore’s most recent advocacy efforts and vocal support for a Free Palestine at the MetLife Stadium show in New Jersey this month.
According to Rolling Stone, who first covered the news, venues that objected to Macklemore’s participation included Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” Mackemore had said at the concert. “My message is for peace. Love. For all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
So I say free Palestine. I say free Lebanon. I say free Cuba. I say free Congo, free Sudan, free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.” While Macklemore was clear about what he meant, the message was still not taken in its right spirit.