Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has entered the fray in the dispute between Macklemore and Ed Sheeran, launching a blistering attack on the 'Shape of You' singer. In a video clip titled 'Ed Who?', Waters, 83, addressed Sheeran directly, praising Macklemore while condemning the pop star.
'I just have a little message for you. There are two kinds of people in this world. Some people do the right thing. That rapper, Macklemore, would be one of those people,' Waters said. 'And there are people who are p***ks, like you, who do the wrong thing. Goodbye.'
Macklemore's political stance sparks tour fallout
The controversy began when Macklemore, 43, who was opening for Ed Sheeran, 35, on the US leg of the Loop Tour, spoke out in support of Palestinians. He claimed that Robert Kraft, CEO of Kraft Group which owns Gillette Stadium, had called Sheeran to block Macklemore from performing at the venue. Following the incident, Macklemore and all of Sheeran's other supporting acts dropped out of the tour.
During a performance in New York City earlier this month, Macklemore shouted 'Free Palestine' and sang the protest song 'Hinds Hall' while images of Gaza were displayed on screen. He said he understood Sheeran's position but was not willing to stop sharing his political message, which he noted he had been delivering for several years without issues.
Celebrities rally behind Macklemore
Several celebrities have voiced support for Macklemore. Comedian Jim Norton cancelled his upcoming shows at Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in 'solidarity'. Singer Paloma Faith praised Macklemore, saying: 'You are a rare and important voice; thank you for existing. This is so articulate and so powerful. You are a hero xxx.'
Irish rap group Kneecap shared a photo with Macklemore on social media, stating: 'Free Palestine. They can never silence the truth.' Climate change activist Greta Thunberg also expressed support, as did singer Kehlani, who wrote: 'A LOT of the venues / owners are rallied together this way. honored to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!'
Venues allegedly objected to Macklemore's performance
According to Rolling Stone, the venues that allegedly objected to Macklemore's performances included Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia; Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis; Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Macklemore expressed hope that his friendship with Sheeran could survive the disagreement. 'I hope this isn't the end of my relationship with Ed,' he said. 'Thirteen years of friendship doesn't disappear because of one painful disagreement.' He added that he believes 'antisemitism is real' and that his door 'will always be open to continuing that conversation' with Sheeran.
Macklemore concluded: 'I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed two. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say words that somehow became too dangerous to say.'
