Jack Antonoff to Ed Sheeran: “We all live in a world where billionaires are constantly telling us what to do – so stand the fuck up”
Jack Antonoff criticised Ed Sheeran’s response after Macklemore was removed as a support act from Sheeran’s Loop Tour following a speech calling for a “free Palestine”. Antonoff said Sheeran should have defended Macklemore and challenged the influence of wealthy figures over the tour, arguing that the dispute raised broader questions about who gets to shape what artists can say and do.
Macklemore’s removal followed comments by stadium owner Robert Kraft, who called the speech deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, and further criticism from Pink and the Israeli American Council. Sheeran said he was not involved in the decision and was appalled by the Israel-Palestine conflict and suffering on both sides; he later apologised for “making mistakes”. Macklemore donated his $1 million tour earnings to six organisations supporting Palestinians and began a separate Free Palestine Tour.
In short
- Antonoff says Sheeran should have stood up for Macklemore.
- Macklemore was removed after calling for a “free Palestine”.
- He donated his $1 million tour earnings to six organisations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Antonoff’s strongest case is that removing Macklemore after a political speech can chill artists’ expression, especially when wealthy owners or sponsors have influence over touring decisions. Sheeran, as the tour’s headliner, could have used his position to defend a colleague’s right to speak, without endorsing every part of the speech.
The case against
Sheeran’s strongest case is that he says he did not make the decision and should not be held responsible for choices made by the stadium owner or others. The remarks were regarded by some in the Jewish community as deeply hurtful, and a tour organiser may argue that responding to such concerns and managing a complex event is distinct from suppressing political debate.
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