The mysterious phone call that could see inoffensive ‘prince of pop’ Ed Sheeran de-throned for good – as ‘furious’ star is ‘thrown under a bus by the people he considers friends’
Ed Sheeran has been drawn into a significant controversy after his opening act, American rapper Macklemore, used his slot on Sheeran's US stadium tour to deliver pro-Palestinian speeches and display images from Gaza. When Jewish groups objected and venue owners threatened to cancel concerts, Sheeran attempted to broker a compromise, but Macklemore was ultimately dropped from the tour by the promoter—a decision Sheeran says he did not make. The incident has reportedly left the normally private singer "absolutely furious" and feeling he has been abandoned by people he considered friends.
The dispute began on 4 September at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore performed his song Hind's Hall with pro-Palestinian messaging. Several figures intervened, including singer Pink and billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, who refused to allow Macklemore to perform at his 66,000-seat Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Kraft cited the rapper's comments and "broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery." Macklemore subsequently alleged that Kraft had telephoned Sheeran to prevent his appearance, adding pressure that ultimately led to his removal from the tour.
- Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements on Sheeran's tour sparked Jewish groups' objections
- Multiple venues threatened cancellation unless the rapper was removed
- Sheeran reportedly feels betrayed after attempting compromise negotiations