Rapper Macklemore Speaks Out After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s Tour Over ‘Free Palestine’ Speech: There Is No Neutral Position Between The Oppressor & The Oppressed’

Rapper Macklemore Speaks Out After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s Tour Over ‘Free
Palestine’ Speech: There Is No Neutral Position Between The Oppressor & The Oppressed’

#Macklemore is officially off the remaining dates of #EdSheeran’s tour. The controversy traces back to a #MetLife Stadium show earlier this month, where Macklemore told the crowd “Free Palestine” before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” His comments prompted the Israeli-American Council to launch a petition calling for him to be removed from the tour. Macklemore later defended his remarks, saying his criticism was aimed at Israel, not Jewish people, and that his message was about peace and equal treatment. #Pink was also pulled into the drama after reposting criticism of Macklemore that called for him to be booted from the tour. She faced backlash from fans for the repost and later shared a lengthy statement explaining her position.

Macklemore’s removal was first reported by Rolling Stone on Monday (Sept. 14), but he quickly confirmed the news himself, saying several venues had reportedly given Sheeran and tour organizers an ultimatum: “If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.” Macklemore made it clear he’s not backing down from his stance — which he says is bigger than himself, Ed and Pink — and expressed hope that the situation won’t affect his friendship with Sheeran. He added that if saying “Free Palestine” cost him the stage “while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”