Stars have rallied around rapper Macklemore after he was dropped from the stadium tour supporting Ed Sheeran after he expressed pro-Palestinian views on stage .
The rapper famous for his hits such as ‘Can’t Hold Us’ and ‘Thrift Shop’ was giving the accolode of ‘Main Support’ on the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour, however, after using his platform on stage for calls of ‘Free Palestine’ organisers took the decison to remove him from all further tour dates he’d previously been booked for.
In a statement addressing the decison to remove him Macklemore stated that he believed that the billionaire owner of New England Patriots; Robert Kraft (who’s Kraft group owns the Gillette Stadium) had contacted Ed Sheeran and other stadium owners pressuring them to back him in removing Macklemore from the remainder of the tour.
Macklemore has also said:
“Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,”
and further “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.”
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine,’”
“I said, ‘Free Palestine!’ I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
Other supporters included Irish artists Kneecap and Bob Vylan who both also offered comments of support with Kneecap saying “Free Palestine. They can never silence the truth” and Bob Vylan stating “There is no thanks for a duty”
As well as Swedish Activist Greta Thundberg who stated “Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten.”
In response to Macklemore’s post, many other high profile artitsts showed their support and solidarity with him by leaving messages including Kehlani who said “A LOT of the venues/owners are rallied together this way. Honoured to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!”
Elsewhere Shirley Manson from Garbage ran her own post on the subject alerting fans to the “Sheer madness” calling it “wildly unjust” and further adding ““Can I remind everyone that nothing Macklemore actually said was violent or hateful or remotely radical.” She further insisted that “Macklemore’s words were not antisemitic yet he is being punished for simply pleading for the occupation, the oppression and the violence to stop.” citing the whole situation as “It is all so utterly obscene.”
Other stars who have come forward offering support to Macklemore include Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, Saul Williams and Paloma Faith.
THE SONGBIRD HQ