Boy George has slammed Macklemore on social media, accusing the US rapper of “turning an ancient conflict into a photo op.”
The former Culture Club star, 65, has publicly opposed pro-Palestine stances and weighed in following the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s tour and his dismissal of Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty.
Mr Sheeran, 35, removed Macklemore, 43, from his Loop Tour following pressure from Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner who owns Gillette Stadium.
It came as Macklemore voiced support for Gaza, chanting “free Palestine,” during a recent performance.
Boy George has hit out at Macklemore
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PAMacklemore’s removal from the tour has prompted outrage from some and led to all of Mr Sheeran’s supporting acts dropping out of the tour.
The discussion surrounding the controversy is rife on social media, and Boy George took the opportunity to voice his support for Mr Sheeran on X.
Responding to a post that read: “Ed Sheeran made more people talk Palestine,” the singer hit back: “Macklemore took an ancient conflict and turned into a photo op!”
He had also responded to a false story by a parody account that read: “Ed Sheeran announces he will be replacing Macklemore as his headliner with Israeli pop star Netta Barzilai.”
Macklemore took an ancient conflict and turned into a photo op!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) September 15, 2026
Appearing not to realise the account was satirical, Boy George wrote in response: “Like this move! Come on @edsheeran straight for the jugular!”
The move sparked a flurry of responses pointing out his blunder.
“HAHAHA. You are a complete and utter dumb*** George, as it’s a parody account,” one penned.
Another added: “It’s a parody post, you stupid b*****d.” (sic)
Macklemore and Ed Sheeran had been friends for over a decade | GETTYAccording to Macklemore, Mr Kraft contacted Mr Sheeran directly and told him that the rapper would be barred from appearing at Gillette Stadium, which Kraft owns.
“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,” Macklemore wrote on social media earlier this week.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed on Monday that the rapper had been dropped, citing the threat of cancellations that would “impact hundreds of thousands of fans.”
Finneas, best known as the songwriting partner and brother of Billie Eilish, confirmed he would no longer open for Mr Sheeran on the South American leg of the Loop Tour, which had been due to launch in November.
Macklemore was removed from eight remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour | GETTY
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
His announcement arrived roughly an hour after Aaron Rowe had published his own withdrawal statement, accelerating what became a complete collapse of the tour’s support lineup within a single afternoon.
Mr Rowe, the Irish singer-songwriter who had been opening on the US leg of the tour, accused Israel of a “genocide” and compared Ireland to Palestine.
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