Macklemore receives wave of celebrity support after Ed Sheeran tour axe over pro-Palestine stance
Macklemore, the 43-year-old American rapper whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after expressing solidarity with Palestinians during a concert.
The artist had been serving as a support act on the US leg of the 35-year-old singer’s tour when he told the audience at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey that he wanted those in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.
His remarks prompted a petition calling for his removal from the remaining tour dates.
On Monday, the rapper confirmed via Instagram that Mr Sheeran and his team had “made the decision to remove” him from the tour.
Macklemore has received a wave of support following his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour
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GETTYThe announcement triggered an outpouring of support from musicians around the world.
In his Instagram post, the rapper was clear that he did not consider himself a “victim” of the situation.
“The victims are the Palestinian people.
“The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence,” he wrote.
Paloma Faith hailed Macklemore as a ‘hero’ following his removal from the tour
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He drew attention to the scale of the humanitarian crisis, stating: “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.”
Macklemore also shared footage from his performance at the New Jersey venue, writing on social media that “wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial”.
Among the first to rally behind Macklemore were Irish rap trio Kneecap, who commented on his post: “Free Palestine. They can never silence the truth.”
The group also shared a photograph alongside the rapper, captioning it: “All love and solidarity to @macklemore. FREE PALESTINE.”
Fellow Irish artist CMAT showed her support by posting images of the Palestinian flag accompanied by the words “Free Palestine”.
Paloma Faith wrote on Instagram: “You are a rare and important voice thank you for existing. This is so articulate and so powerful. You are a hero xxx.”
Kneecap told Macklemore: ‘They can never silence the truth’
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PABob Vylan, the British punk duo, also weighed in by reposting a remark Macklemore had referenced, adding: “There is no thanks for a duty.”
American rock band Garbage issued a lengthy statement describing the decision to drop Macklemore as “sheer madness” and “wildly unjust”.
They argued that nothing the rapper had said was “violent or hateful or remotely radical”, adding: “Those who exile, silence and censor others are never the good guys.
“No matter what you tell yourself. Just because you ignore the truth doesn’t make the truth go away or make it any less potent. It is all so utterly obscene.”
Macklemore delivered a pro-Palestine speech during his performance at MetLife Stadium
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GETTYUS singer Kehlani suggested the issue extended beyond this single incident, writing: “A LOT of the venues / owners are rallied together this way. honored to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!”
Australian artist Tones and I, born Toni Watson, expressed her admiration: “Love you Ben! Ten toes down. Proud of you.”
Climate activist Greta Thunberg also voiced her backing, writing: “Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten.”
Macklemore has been outspoken in his support for Palestinians in recent years
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GETTYMacklemore’s stance on Palestine is not new.
Earlier this year, he was among more than 1,100 artists, musicians and cultural workers who signed an open letter demanding a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s participation.
The campaign was organised by the group No Music For Genocide.
Several of the artists who spoke out in his defence this week were also signatories to that letter, including Kneecap, Paloma Faith and Massive Attack.
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