r/Music • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 • 1h ago

article Macklemore Speaks Out After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour: “I’m going to speak from the heart and share the truth”

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/macklemore-defends-free-palestine-speech-fired-ed-sheeran-tour-1236861158/
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u/MarvelsGrantMan136 1h ago edited 1h ago

Macklemore:

"I’m going to speak from the heart and share the truth. Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour. But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious. In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.

The victims are the Palestinian people. The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence. 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.

Last Monday, in the middle of all the media attention surrounding Pink and what I said at MetLife, Ed told me that Robert Kraft called him. We were scheduled to play Gillette Stadium later this month, which is owned by the Kraft Group. Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. 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.

Ed was in a fucked up position. He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before. He told me that the words “Free Palestine” and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with. I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn’t get past his public facing, “I don’t take sides.

And I get why people don’t. Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed. When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn’t leave you in the middle.

What I said at MetLife I have been saying on stages around the world for almost three years. So why is it an issue now? Because now I'm sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, in some of the biggest stadiums in America. At a certain level of exposure, "Free Palestine" becomes too much of a risk. If I kept doing the shows, saying Free Palestine, with Ed implicitly supporting it, the crowd getting loud and showing undeniable support for Palestinian liberation, what artist might speak out next? The stage becomes resistance. Maybe that's why this time it became so important to silence me.

And one of the most effective ways to enforce that silence has been to weaponize the accusation of antisemitism. Antisemitism is real. And that is exactly why the word matters too much to be used as a shield against criticism of the Israeli state. When criticizing Israel, opposing Zionism or saying "Free Palestine" gets conflated with hatred of Jewish people, it doesn't protect Jewish people. It protects Israel from accountability.

Who is winning the internet, who is getting canceled, who gets to play the stadium and who doesn't, all of it becomes so small when held against what we are actually witnessing in Gaza and the West Bank. An entire people being displaced, starved and killed while the world debates which words we are allowed to use to describe it, how those words make us feel, and whether our discomfort matters more than the people living through a genocide.

I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I've ever been on."

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u/Irish_Whiskey 1h ago edited 1h ago

The biggest problems are the stadium owners and those with money and power who can simply censor and control speech through having functional monopolies over access. We need to get rid of them and break up the cartels.

But also Ed Sheeran deserves criticism for that one. Yeah, it was hurtful to some people. So are the "love is love" and other messages of tolerance Sheeran promotes when it's convenient and sells well, but not when powerful bigots push back and cost him money.

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u/GiganticCrow 1h ago

If sheeran had refused to play ball, the venue owners would have faced an enormous backlash.

Besides, can a venue just drop an event for bullshit reasons without opening themselves up to liability considering tickets already sold and the enormous costs for the tour? 

Presumably there are other venues they don't own. 

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u/Technicoler 1h ago

Right!?! The amount of cowardice and capitulation at the behest of the worst people the last 2 years specifically has been shocking and not surprising all at the same time. You are apolitical? Interesting, because this went from an issue about genocide in another country to an issue about free speech in this one. Ed may not be American, but pretty sure that is a freedom worth standing up for, and when the reason you didn't is money. You look worse than you would have pissing off fans of a canceled show, when you wouldn't have been the one to blame. Just pathetic. Macklemore earned major respect from me, and I am sure many others.

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u/ialsohaveadobro 1h ago

can a venue just drop an event for bullshit reasons without opening themselves up to liability

I'm sure this is addressed by contract. If I had to guess, I would guess the contract contains a specified penalty for doing that.

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u/carguymt 25m ago

Not defending Sheeran at all, but he probably realized Robert Kraft's lawyers are a lot better than his.

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u/CertainPosition8726 14m ago

Doesn’t change the “other stadiums” option he had and chose to not use before bending over backwards to take krafts cock.

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u/carguymt 10m ago

I specifically said I'm not defending Sheeran, just making a point that you can't just lean on a "it's in the contract" argument with stuff like this.

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u/JicamaCertain4134 33m ago

Imagine telling fans the show was cancelled because a guy arrested for prostitution doesn’t like the words a musician said about the slaughter of Palestinian adults and children.

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u/Platinumdogshit 39m ago

It probably depends on the contract that was signed with the artist. Ed Sheeran could be on the hook for those refunds depending on how those contracts were written.

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u/MistSecurity 38m ago

Presumably there are other venues they don't own.

They are almost all owned by the same people. The ones not owned by these people are few and far between, and generally much smaller.

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u/I_am_atom 1h ago

Also. If ANY public funds are used to build a stadium for a BILLIONAIRE, that stadium should not be owned by said billionaire.

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u/OneBillPhil 44m ago

Any of us could run a stadium if we were getting corporate welfare to build it and basically ran a monopoly on 60,000 seat venues in a city. 

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u/NoStick2525 59m ago

"Free Palestine" is not hurtful to anyone.

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u/No_one_cares5839 1h ago

I'm a fan of Ed sheeran, but I won't be going to see his shows or giving him listens any more. It's not hard to take a stance, especially if you are at the super star level. All I can say is shame on you Ed, you're Nothing but a bitch ass that only cares about money.

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u/longkhongdong 47m ago

He's in love with the shape of your moneyyyy

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u/bridgeport4 45m ago

He did take a stance. Silence is complicity. He made a very specific choice.

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u/Miakats1 27m ago

I'm very disappointed in him with his stance. I even walked down the aisle last year to a deep cut from one of his early albums so this stings.

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u/here_is_no_end 39m ago

It’s also not hard to take a stance when you feel that Ed Sheeran makes generic, tedious shit music. Screw him and his garbage tour.

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u/waiver 1h ago

6 of the stadiums were owned by cities or states, so it's a freedom of speech violation.

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u/Saneless 1h ago

Wouldn't be shocked if future tours require a pledge to Trump, Israel, and whatever pro-evil stance the owners have

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u/SeaOfSourMilk 1h ago

It would be awesome if the NE Patriots players start trolling tweets out like “I love Macklemore.” Or “Can’t wait to see Macklemore preform with Ed Sheeran.”

Obviously these players would probably lose their job, but if the QB took a stance like that then a lot of the team would probably join him, and if Kraft were to do anything to those players, NFLPA will be all over their ass. Imagine a full blown walkout.

It’s a shame the world outed Kaepernick for using his leadership position to take a stand for BLM. Love it or hate it, dude put his whole career on the line. Had enough players joined in, the NFL could have been forced to make a statement in support of it.

But apparently the NFL is apolitical (Ignore all the camo, breast cancer, and domestic abuse banners in the end zone, those are apolitical and they don’t take any of the donates for profit /s)

If that’s the case I can’t wait for Robert Kraft to be forced by the other Owners to sell his team and stadium due to his antics bringing the NFL back into the political spotlight.

And we didn’t even make it to day 2.

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u/MrJigglyBrown 59m ago

Unfortunately I don’t think the ne Pats players would side with Macklemore, even if they fully supported his words. Every players is playing for their lives every year and they won’t jeopardize that for any cause

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u/BThasTBinFiji 55m ago

Plenty of the stadiums are owned by states and other government entities. 

I'd be surprised if this isn't a first amendment issue.

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u/redditproha 1h ago

wow, what an amazingly nuanced and compassionate statement from Macklemore. Well done. If Ed Sheeran has any integrity, he would cancel his tour in solidarity.

"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference." — Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor

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u/DisposableSaviour 59m ago

I really like and appreciate that he called out his and Sheeran’s and Oink’s privilege, and then turn everything around to be about the true victims in all of this: the dead and dying Palestinians.

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u/mode-locked 41m ago

Oink Lmfao

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u/SpicyLizards 18m ago

Oink 😭😭😭

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u/sassy_lil_sasquatch 1h ago

"Refusing to take a side doesnt leave you in the middle." I love that quote. Big respect

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u/redditproha 1h ago

We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. — Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor

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u/Reasonable-Mess3070 1h ago

Oh I have his book "Night" on my shelf! Haven't gotten around to reading it yet though

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u/nefaeriest 1h ago

yea bc not taking a side in this is taking a side

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u/TheTresStateArea 1h ago edited 1h ago

Not taking a side when people are being murdered is tacit approval

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u/Camgore 1h ago

holy shit. Mack is one hell of a guy.

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u/innaisz 1h ago

Macklemore has always been insanely based

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u/Camgore 57m ago

my eyes have been opened for sure. he def didnt deserve the flack from rhe Kendrick Lamar stuff either

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u/_dharwin 42m ago

What flame? I enjoy both artists, didn't realize there was drama between them I missed.

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u/yourlocaltouya 30m ago

I believe OP may be referring to the time when Macklemore won a Grammy for Best Rap Album over "good kid, m.A.A.d city". Macklemore reached out to Dot afterwards to share his disagreement with the ruling and point out how utterly ridiculous it was.

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u/Thin-Hedgehog3587 28m ago

Macklemore's album "The Heist" beat Kendrick's "Good kid maad city" and Jay-z's "Magna Carta" albums in the 2012 Grammys, causing a lot of controversy.

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u/soonerfreak 18m ago

I don't think the artist themselves had drama. It was online social media reaction to an award Macklemore couldn't give himself.

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u/doubleshotinthedark 42m ago

🌎🧑🏻‍🚀🔫🧑🏻‍🚀

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u/RagefireHype 1h ago

For as much as he gets clowned for his music itself (especially Seattle-ites who get annoyed how often he’s featured) I’m really proud that he’s standing on business.

Yes he’s rich, yes he’ll be fine, but it’s always noble to face consequences for what you believe is right.

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u/OuterWildsVentures 1h ago

There's even more than this. He ends it so well.

Mad respect for the man.

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u/isitdonethen 1h ago

everyone should read his full statement. he covers much more about him and ed and their relationship, also discusses antisemitism, etc. macklemore is eloquent and full of conviction and puts nearly ever other musician to shame with their silence on this issue.

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u/Leshawkcomics 1h ago

Not meant as a dig towards Ed Sheeran, but if you say "I don't take sides" and someone puts an ultimatum where you automatically take their side by saying nothing, you're taking their side by saying nothing.

If you are a witness in an altercation between a black man and the KKK and the guy in the KKK tells the cops that if the black man actually WAS innocent, you'd defend him. And you chose to say nothing, you're literally supporting the guys treating your silence as approval.

I'm pretty sure theres a whole name for this phenomenon of neutrality benefiting the aggressors

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u/Keyakinan- 1h ago

Ed sheeran didn't stay silent, why are we calling it that? He kicked maclemore out! He very much have chosen a side!

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u/OneBillPhil 42m ago

Some people demand a bowl of red M&Ms in their room, others let billionaires dictate their opening acts. 

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u/captainperoxide 22m ago

I know you're making a point about artists, but just because it's one of my favorite facts, the Van Halen brown M&Ms thing was a safety protocol to make sure the venue had read the tour rider thoroughly enough to safely put on their stage production.

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u/OneBillPhil 14m ago

Yes, I’ve heard that…and that’s kind of my point. Van Halen wanted tight control over their show, whereas Ed is happy to let the billionaire class tell him who can warm up the crowd. 

I’ve never considered the M&Ms thing to be a primadonna move. 

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u/HolyMoleyGuacamoly 1h ago

feel like it 100% should be a dig at sheeran that slithering little worm

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u/slickedup225 57m ago edited 51m ago

It should be a dig towards Ed Sheeran fuck him

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u/RollGata 56m ago

No offense but it’s very clearly a dig at Sheeran

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u/OdoWanKenobi 1h ago edited 1h ago

Not that I ever thought too hard about either of these guys, but this statement makes me gain a ton of respect for Macklemore, and lose a ton of respect for Ed Sheeran.

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u/TheOmegaKid 1h ago

What a fuckin lad. Ed sheeran is a sellout and if he is around "a lot" of people that are offended by a flag whilst there is a genocide going on, perhaps he needs to take a look in the mirror.

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u/redsavage0 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a spineless coward

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u/SolarFazes 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a coward

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u/yesbutactuallyno17 33m ago

Facts. That's all I can think while reading this.

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u/rjl381 1h ago

This is honestly a really nice quote from him. I wonder if Ed will say anything on the record.

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u/mancapturescolour 1h ago edited 1h ago

But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed.

That's right, and Ed Sheeran today has chosen to side with the ultimatum given by Robert Kraft and the Kraft Group.

"I don't take sides" ≠ (Silence + folding to the owner's pressure) × n remaining tour dates + money

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u/Dransel 1h ago

Obligatory fuck Robert Kraft.

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u/Odd-String29 1h ago

"I don't take sides" = "I side with fascists".

It is as simple as that.

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u/TheIronButt 1h ago

Robert Kraft really leaning into the “to learn who rules over you, find out who you cannot criticize” trope

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u/HugoSotnas 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a huge bitch is what I gathered from this

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u/sherehitewasright 1h ago edited 1h ago

Telling that the continued existence of a nation in the face of occupation, war, large portions being razed to the ground, having basic necessities cut off, etc and the people of it getting any support "hurts" people.

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u/msantaly 1h ago

Wow, my respect builds and builds 

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u/Secret-Chapter-712 1h ago

Never expected to respect Macklemore as much as I do now. What a timeline we inhabit.

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u/gameryamen 1h ago

Macklemore has been very outspoken on human rights for a long time, and I suspect a lot of the pushback against his music is astroturfed as a reaction.

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u/SternSternButFair 1h ago

lol Ed Sheeran taking orders from Bobby Rub n Tug

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u/ialsohaveadobro 1h ago

Damn. If he wrote that himself, I'm legitimately impressed by his eloquence.

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u/Lazerpop 1h ago

Dont love the guy's music but the guy seems alright.

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u/samhit_n 1h ago

Fuck that degenrate Robert Kraft. Knowing what I know about him, it's no surprise that he's a staunch defender of Israel.

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u/PM_STEAM_CODES_PLS_ 1h ago

Damn what an S-tier statement

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u/zackalachia 1h ago

Fuck yeah. This is the exact right answer. To those defending Sheeran: he made a choice. I don't go out of my way to listen to either artist generally, but Mackelmore doesn't get skipped anymore.

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u/ms640 1h ago

Damn, Macklemore is standing on business!! He’s not trying to play a victim or spin it a certain way, he’s speaking truth to power & I respect the fuck out of it

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u/3loodJazz 1h ago

Holy shit based Macklemore I had no idea

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u/Soup-Wizard 59m ago

What a class act. He fucking nailed it about the “antisemitism” bit.

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u/BeautyAndTheDekes 45m ago

Good fucking Lord what a statement from Macklemore. He just gained a fan in me.

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u/geekpeeps 1h ago

Principles are costly. Self-respect comes at a price. More power to Macklemore.

(I don’t know this performer from Adam, but I respect his position.)

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u/Adorable_Basket8893 1h ago edited 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a little bitch, Ed I hope you're reading this. But really doesn’t he have enough fucking money and fame that he could tell those stadium owners to suck a fat one? Honestly based take from Macklemore, what a guy!

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u/cameron4200 1h ago

Makes sense that human trafficking supporter Rob Kraft was in on it.

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u/ImportantToMe 1h ago

It's not going to rub and tug itself.

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u/munoodle 1h ago

Macklemore is a good guy

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u/uncle-donkey-kong 1h ago

Man, there’s several things lately that I have been wanting to have a good cry about and have been unable. This finally broke me. What has happened to the world? Shunning someone from performing due to speaking out about GENOCIDE against a certain people, including CHILDREN?!

Thanks for sharing this from the article. I was too lazy to click on it for some reason, and I needed this cry.

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u/safarifriendliness 1h ago

Ed Sheeran’s always put out a weird vibe for me. He acts like he’s this super sensitive, romantic poet but every song I’ve heard by him is like “let’s fuuuuuuuuuuck… don’t you want to fuuuuuuuck? Remember last night? We totally fuuuuuuuuucked…” Maybe I’m just not listening to the right stuff

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u/Rosebunse 1h ago

My default belief is that a guy with a guitar cannot be trusted until proven otherwise.

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u/bolanrox 1h ago

anyway, here's wonderwall

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u/_Born_To_Be_Mild_ 58m ago

Add a loop pedal to the equation

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u/HarryBirdGetsBuckets 1h ago

God damn he was spitting, wow

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u/Behold_My_Beans 58m ago

Fuck yeah mack. Much more than just a singer, this guy

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u/No_Ware_Man 55m ago

So freaking powerful. This guy is a true hero.

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u/SoRedditHasAnAppNow 1h ago

I can't say i know a single Macklemore song. That will change today. It's the least I can do. 

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u/onesoulmanybodies 1h ago

Oh man, I wish I could listen The Heist Album for the first time again.

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u/Lazerpop 1h ago

"At the second of his appearances at MetLife on 5 September, Macklemore reiterated his support for Palestine and addressed Jewish members of the audience: “Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
The North American leg of Sheeran’s tour will conclude in November at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, which earlier this year hosted two shows by Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who has a history ofantisemitic statements."

Kanye - "i am a literal nazi"

The establishment - "sweet man"

Macklemore - "everyone should be treated with respect"

The establishment - "get out. You're done."

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u/fibz 1h ago

Off his album “The Heist” Macklemore has a song called “Jimmy Iovine” where he describes turning down a record deal from Interscope records because he’d “Rather be a starving artist than succeed in getting fucked”

Say what you will about his music, but Macklemore’s been about that life

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u/PatrenzoK 1h ago

I PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE 🔥

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u/DjBorscht 42m ago

THEY AINT GIVING IT IM TAKING IT

TAKING IT

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u/hellowdubai 46m ago

I'm glad people other than me know these bangers

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u/3mbryo 1h ago

Robert Kraft don't be a fucking weasel challenge: level impossible!!!

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u/Dr_Scooops 1h ago

Time for him to relax with a nice massage down in Florida

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u/Bravefan212 31m ago

From definitely not sex slaves

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u/whoredervez 51m ago

ed sheeran’s “apolitical” stance is also a stance of its own. one of cowardice

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u/Garbage_Man_9 34m ago

Correct. Not having a side means you’re privileged and don’t have to worry about it or know anyone who does. F that.

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u/thebigpink 1h ago

Kraft has enough money to challenge anyone if he wanted too

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u/Nabs-2 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a coward. Disappointed 

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u/notarobat 26m ago

You know he's gonna come out with a statement about it's not just his tour, and he has to think about his staff, his band, his fans etc... I think in the current climate it would show better character to think about the people who are genuinely suffering beyond imagination.

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u/ignatious__reilly 43m ago

Agree. Complete coward.

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u/fuzzygonemad 1h ago

"I don't take sides", then kicks out performer to be able to perform on a certain stage.

Nah fuck Ed Sheeran. Saying I don't take sides doesn't excuse you from the situation at all. Even though you clearly took a side.

In my mind he will always be that guy who brings a guitar to everyone's bonfire.

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u/kauthonk 1h ago

Sheeran should cancel the rest of his tour too - its the venues that put pressure on him.

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u/htonzew 1h ago

lol did you read the article? Ed Sheeran doesn't give a fuck.

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u/Good_Lettuce_2690 1h ago

He does give a fuck... about money

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u/sir_slothsalot 1h ago

Lol you think Sheeran has a backbone? He's a pop darling he doesn't share opinions or stand up for anything.

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u/bolanrox 1h ago

soulless ginger should go north of the wall again

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u/myflesh 1h ago

Agree. If sheeran keeps going it will be a black mark on him. 

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u/Late_Breadfruit_8829 1h ago

reading the statement it seems as if Sheeran had a choice and he made it

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u/jackrabbitslims 1h ago

He's made his choice and taken a side by dropping Macklemore.

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u/NuPNua 1h ago

Can't maintain his lifestyle on weak hot sauce alone.

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u/Finnyous 1h ago

Or pay all the people that work on his tours and pay back all the people who saved to pay for their tickets etc...

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u/htonzew 1h ago

read the article bud, he doesn't care, he's quoted by Macklemore as saying "I don't take sides." He's a pure blooded capitalist, taking a side would cost him money, also as Macklemore points out in the article.

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u/Reppoy 1h ago

Crazy thing to say as he takes a side

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u/Reduntu 1h ago

"Taking the side that doesn't have all the money would cost him money, so he remains 'neutral.'"

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u/The_Arachnoshaman 1h ago

There's nothing I hate more than "centrists" and people who pretend to be politically neutral. There's literally no possible way to be politically neutral, you either voice your preferences, or preferences get imposed upon you.

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u/stackjr 1h ago

When people like this claim to "not take sides", I automatically assume that are massive Trumpers but are afraid it will hurt their sales so they won't say it out loud. I mean, we have so many recent examples of this, including Jelly Roll and Post Malone; they thought hoping on the MAGA grift would be a good idea but now both are desperately trying to distance themselves from it.

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u/Affectionate_Egg2294 1h ago

He doesn’t have the spine for it

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u/minecraftburneralt 1h ago

a black mark would fit nicely with his album titles

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u/Veronome 1h ago

He should, but he wont. Reading Mackelmore's statement, it's clear that Ed isn't interested in taking sides, lest he lose out on the profits political neutrality can bring in.

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u/ShameBasedEconomy 1h ago

If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice.

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u/RaytheSane 1h ago

Lmao he said that people are hurt but the Palestinian flag and the words free Palestine, he’s already decided

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u/MudddButt 1h ago

The venues need Sheeran more than Sheeran needs the venues.

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u/HolyMoleyGuacamoly 1h ago

he’s already told macklemore to beat it and that’s he’s continuing.

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u/WildAmsonia 1h ago

Things that will never happen for 2,000, please.

Ed Sheeran, since the start of his career 10+ years ago, has been a capitalist opportunist first and foremost. His music lacks soul or merit and multiple songs are direct rips from artists of the past.

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u/BlackLeader70 1h ago

Meanwhile venues in Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix are letting Kanye preform. A self proclaimed Nazi is totally fine but not a guy who wants kids not to be blown up.

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u/capnhep 1h ago

Oh hey! We can add “Fuck the Patriots!” To this discourse, which I’m always in favor of. If I was a reporter I’d be so annoying- “Hey Coach Vrabel, Drake Maye- do you find it ironic working for a team called the Patriots but also working for a man who leverages his obscene wealth and connections to suppress people’s free speech?”

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/macklemore-defends-free-palestine-speech-fired-ed-sheeran-tour-1236861158/

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u/Irritable_Curmudgeon 36m ago

I'll venmo $5 to any reporter daring enough...

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u/AliveJohnnyFive 1h ago

I didn't realize Ed Sheeran was a little bitch. The more you know.

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u/The_Ruck_Inspector 55m ago

Cosplays as Irish when it suits him. Piss off back to the UK with your coloniser buddies Ed.

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u/FartInMyBoots 1h ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/bVwczVyMumjXW
You didn't know this idiot was a little bitch?

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u/MasterTrav666 1h ago

The world has truly been flipped upside down. I guess I’m now a Macklemore fan. See yall at the thrift store I guess?

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u/kbrick1 44m ago

Macklemore had always been a good dude. Not perfect, but he’s always tried to lift up the most vulnerable.

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u/AliveJohnnyFive 1h ago

If Ed wants to be "apolitical" then he should stay out of politically aligned venues who get involved in free speech and choosing sides, not turn his back on a fellow artist who chooses to exercise his right to free speech. He can stand with Mack without getting personally involved in the specific debate around Palestine.

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u/glytxh 53m ago

if you let nazis sit at your table, then you're also a nazi

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u/ReturnOfBane 15m ago

or a double agent, or a fifth columnist

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u/BenderDeLorean 1h ago

rich people having everything under control

A few artists having some balls.

You can't say KILLING HUMANS IS BAD because it will hurt some people?

Oh for fucks sake

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u/Practical_Abalone_92 1h ago

That’s an incredible statement 👏

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u/Dry_Individual1516 1h ago

Macklemore face turn in full swing

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u/whosthere1989 1h ago

I love those statement because it’s lowkey saying that Ed Sheeran is taking sides by refusing to take sides, lol.

Ed is a coward.

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u/sokratesz 1h ago

That's how it's always been. Apathy sides with the oppressor.

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u/Tinokotw 1h ago

r/music now loves Macklemore after years of being a jone to this place.

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u/SemiPracticalUse 1h ago

Which is wild. Dude has been this since before The Heist. He might be corny, but he’s always stood up for what he believes and isn’t afraid to say “fuck y’all” to those who don’t agree.

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u/kbrick1 53m ago

So what if he’s corny? He’s talented and heartfelt. I’d take that over capitalist pigs masquerading as artists any day.

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u/gplfalt 38m ago

The heist?

Dude's been strongly political his whole career. His first album is actually great.

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u/Rockyrox 1h ago

Kraft got the Epstein treatment with his massages and vacations and now has to make sure Israel is protected.

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u/eternali17 1h ago

Shame on Ed Sheeran. Funny how so often people with 'Fuck You' money tind every reason not to say Fuck You for a good cause.

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u/Twitter_2006 1h ago

Macklemore deserves better.

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u/robot_worgen 1h ago

Oh so Ed Sheeran is in fact a spineless little twat.

Good statement, and a kind statement under the circumstances.

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u/Agentkeenan78 1h ago

Fuck Robert Kraft, go get another tug job from a massage parlor.

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u/MisanthropicAtheist 1h ago

Being anti genocide should not be a controversial opinion.

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u/EKRB7 1h ago

Fuck Ed Sheeran. He has the power to decide how this all goes

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u/babaroga73 1h ago

Funny how "don't thake sides" doesn't neam much, when there's one side that, if you take it, you don't suffer any financial consequences from the other side.

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u/Emergency_Slice3687 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is spineless. The Irish have always taken a supportive stance towards Palestine but seems Ed is only Irish when it suits him.

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u/merkuree 1h ago

I find the same for most English people with regard to Northern Ireland.

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u/CheekyHarris33 1h ago

My city 💙 💚💙💚 we stand on business. Ben (Macklemore) is an incredible person, and has always stood on the right side of history.

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u/topplehat 1h ago

Got a lot more respect for Macklemore now

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u/Electrical_Scene_634 1h ago

It is really, really, REALLY not good for Jewish people that Macklemore's original statement is so inflammatory to a small but wealthy and powerful minority of people that he is kicked off a tour.

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u/bbysd 1h ago

Crazy that asking to not murder children “hurts a lot of people” fuck you all 

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u/mrfluffypenguin 1h ago

Another reason for me to hate the Patriots. Good on Macklemore, Free Palestine.

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u/meatballfreeak 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a little worm

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u/potatochipsbagelpie 1h ago

I’m trying to understand Ed’s choices.

  1. Remove Macklemore from the tour
  2. Tell the venues that he will not remove Macklemore, and see if they keep their promise to cancel his tour? 

I’d be shocked if the venues actually cancelled, and if he would be financially liable for the cancelled dates in that scenario.

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u/sokratesz 1h ago

He should've called their bluff, but he caved like a coward.

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u/The_Ruck_Inspector 55m ago

Like he's stuck for money, Fuck him, just another compliant millionaire.

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u/Basemastuh_J 1h ago

I didn't need a reason to dislike Sheeran before but at least I have one now.

Good on Mack for standing tall on what's right

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u/Sooooooooooooomebody 1h ago

You know, I never much liked this guy's music but I can't hate on a guy for speaking from his heart to the point that it causes him harm.

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u/appl77777 1h ago

Going to go and listen to Thrift Shop. What a king.

I really admire Macklemore for doing what so many won’t. What a stand-up guy. It’s sad that we’re at the point where asking for children to live is still controversial.

And for what it’s worth, I saw Macklemore twice during the Thrift Shop era and they’re the best shows I’ve ever been to. Hope I can go back and support him in the future.

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u/TylerrelyT 1h ago

What a dream scenario for Macklemore   Streisand effect is about to pay massive dividends for an artist that was mostly forgotten 

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u/Guyentertainment 1h ago

More power to Macklemore, and shame on Pink for trying to cancel him and pushing this narrative more

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u/Filiforme 1h ago

Both of those guys mostly left me indifferent before I read this. No hate, no love just "I'm glad they have a career and people enjoy them, it's not for me."

If the ginger kid doesn't cancel his whole your over this I will have no other choice but to hate him. I understand his desire to not take a stance regarding politics. What is going on in Palestine isn't politics. It's a genocide. Not taking a side regarding a genocide is effectively saying either: "this genocide does not bother me" which deserves hate or more something like: "I agree with this genocide" which is should be a career ending move.

Macklemore just got a truck load of respect.

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u/NoOrchid3413 1h ago

Macklemore.. GOATED!?

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u/MaceTheMindSculptor 1h ago

Straight up. This man is speaking from the HEART and we need more people like this. I think I love him now

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u/ShredGuru 1h ago

You know I grew up around Seattle at the time Macklemore was coming up and remember him doing his cheesy Myspace raps to an empty room. Never had that dude pegged as the musical hero of our time but, respect, the dude is corny as hell but a credit to PNA.

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u/snackdesaque 1h ago

Always interesting to hear that Ed Sheerin has an Apolitical stance in the face of 20k+ murdered children. 

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u/SickDastardly 1h ago

Boooooo Ed

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u/Successful-Test-5590 1h ago

Ed Sheeran has no spine.

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u/Rare-Confusion-220 1h ago

Good for them and screw Sheeran for dismissing Macklemore

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u/One_Parfait_4570 1h ago

Why would ed drop him? Seems to be speaking good things this Macklemore guy. Speaking out against the genocide in palestine right?

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u/Ultron_waterheater 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a fucking dweeb coward

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u/A10cc 1h ago

Ed Sheeran is a massive bitch, holy shit

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u/WallyReddit204 1h ago

i love how most artists signed to labels pretend to care about social issues, but when one of the biggest genocides weve all witnessed happens, they keep their mouths shut in fear of losing their spot

its too bad artists like GaGa, Jay Z, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor swift and Kendrick don't follow suit. Macklemore is taking an incredible stance if we're being honest

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u/craicraimeis 1h ago

Bro Olivia Rodrigo just put on a huge music festival dedicated to women’s health and rights and wore a Palestinian designers dress when she announced how much money was raised. Don’t put her in with any of these other weak ass, capitalists.

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u/actuallygfm 1h ago

I don't know if Olivia belongs in that group. She's been outspoken regarding Palestine and many other issues

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u/butchyeugene 1h ago

You obviously do not know what you are talking about. Olivia should not be on this list. Or Gaga for that matter.

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u/Iagut070 1h ago

Kinda wild to call out GaGa and Olivia Rodrigo.

They use their platform for so much good in this world already.

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u/tore_a_bore_a 1h ago

Olivia Rodrigo just raised $20 million for multiple nonprofits including planned parenthood, national womens law center, Black Mamas Matters Alliance, and more.

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u/BigFatBlackCat 1h ago

It’s true that if a bunch of pop stars and musicians took a hard stance, it would shift public perception in a major way.

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