Ed Sheeran has decided to take action regarding the controversy surrounding his American tour, but his message has not been well received. During the first 2 shows of the tour, opening act Macklemore displayed images of the Palestinian genocide and uttered the words “Free Palestine”, provoking the anger of artists like P!nk, who in turn had to explain himself.
This week the rapper announced that he had been kicked off the tour, and Sheeran has decided to explain that it was not his decision. In addition, he adds that he has spent the week trying to “look for bridges.” The author of ‘Perfect’ has taken to Instagram to ensure that, although he does not take part on either side (Palestine and Israel), that does not mean that he does not have his own opinion.
The singer begins by saying that he is “dismayed by the conflict between Israel and Palestine” and by “the pain generated on both sides,” which represents “a humanitarian tragedy.” He clarifies that it was Macklemore who asked him to open for him last year and that he never interferes in the artistic decisions of his opening acts.
He explains: “After Macklemore’s concerts in New Jersey, venues started communicating that they would cancel the concerts if he continued to be the opening act. I was informed that this stance was based on the way Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than what he said. “I have spoken with the venues all this week to build a bridge (…) but the decision of the venues and the promoters was made.”
He then acknowledges that he hasn’t been able to do much: “Macklemore leaving this tour was the promoter’s decision, not mine. “His contract was with the promoter, not with me.” And regarding his choice not to get involved in politics, he explains: “Those who come to my concerts know that they are about unity, fun, escapism, love and a place where everyone is welcome.”
Perhaps aware of the equidistant message he is leaving, he points out: “I am not an accomplice, I have my personal opinion about this devastating conflict. Just because I don’t say it publicly, doesn’t mean I don’t have it, and doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean that I don’t support causes on my own, in my personal way. He also explains that “many children come to his shows” and that “there are many approaches to the same goal, which is peace.” “I choose to use my fame and my platform as a safe place, to keep diplomacy and conversations open, rather than closed.”
The decision to leave Macklemore off the tour, and his response, have been harshly criticized by several artists instantly. Garbage have taken to social media to remind Ed Sheeran that “Palestine is the victim”: “We are seeing one of the greatest artists in the world being canceled for trying to be equidistant with Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people. This is an unmistakable sign of how global consciousness has changed. The normalization of the apartheid state and attempts to justify decisions will no longer be tolerated. “The only victim here is the Palestinian people.”
Roger Waters has posted a video called “ED WHO?”, absolutely incendiary, in which he says that there are two types of people in the world, those who do the right thing, like Macklemore, and those who are “assholes.”
Additionally, the rest of Ed Sheeran’s tour support acts have decided to cancel their appearances in solidarity with Macklemore. Among them are Finneas, Lukas Graham or the band Beoga, who have stated that for them playing in such large stadiums was a dream, but that it is not an option if it is to silence messages of “Free Palestine.”
Finneas has posted: “artists should not be silenced when they are speaking for the oppressed (…) I stand with Palestine and its people.”
See this post on Instagram
See this post on Instagram
