US rapper Macklemore has been cancelled from the remainder of Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour after a number of venues protested against his involvement after his public stance on Palestinians.
Sheeran had original plans to perform at eight of the 10 shows left on the tour, which were all in the United States, but Macklemore was supposed to support him. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the US shows, announced the decision Monday.
Venues have told the promoter that they don’t want concerts with Macklemore performing, the promoter said. Retaining him in the lineup could have led to cancellation and impact hundreds of thousands of fans, it added.
“Following consultation with the stakeholders, Macklemore will not perform on the remaining dates of support,” the promoter said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
Macklemore has been vocal about his support for the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. His recent performances included calls for a “Free Palestine,” which brought him criticism from pro-Israel groups and a campaign calling for his removal from the tour.
The sites reportedly include Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Messina Touring Group didn’t indicate which venues had officially complained about Macklemore’s involvement. Sheeran’s first dates in the US are set for Friday in Philadelphia.
Macklemore, long vocal about the Gaza war over the past few years, has stood by his use of his music as a platform to voice sympathy for Palestinians.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı
