Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour over speech in support of Palestine

Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore's speech in support of Palestine at Ed Sheeran's September 4 MetLife Stadium concert as part of his ongoing "Loop" tour in the USA created controversy in the music world.

The artist, who made a nearly two-minute speech on stage between his songs, using the phrases "Free Palestine" and sending the message "We have not forgotten you" to the people in Gaza and the West Bank, was removed from the tour lineup after the pressure.

THREAT OF BLOCKING FROM STADIUM MANAGEMENTS

Macklemore was scheduled to perform as a featured artist in eight of the tour's remaining 10 concerts. However, the organizer company, Messina Touring Group, announced that they received notifications from stadium managements around Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas and Tampa.

The company announced that Macklemore was removed from the lineup, stating that the stadiums would not allow the rapper to perform, which could lead to the cancellation of the entire tour and the loss of hundreds of thousands of listeners.

Macklemore, who became the target of organizations such as StopAntisemitism and the Israeli-American Council after his statements, also reflected the images of destruction in Gaza on the screens while performing the song "Hind's Hall" on stage. Singer Pink, who participated in the discussion, stated that although she defended freedom of speech, some statements frightened her as a Jewish mother.

"ED WAS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION, I WILL NOT STEP BACK"

Making a statement on his social media account, Macklemore stated that he had difficult discussions with his friend of 13 years, Ed Sheeran, before the decision and said, "Ed was in a very difficult situation due to the pressure of the stadium owners."

Emphasizing that he will not give up his rhetoric, the famous rapper reminded that the real victims are not them but the Palestinians in Gaza and completed his statement with the call for "Free Palestine".