Ed Sheeran and Macklemore’s controversy continues to spark debate. The ongoing situation intensified after producer Jack Antonoff publicly criticized the singer’s handling of the issue. Antonoff argued that Sheeran missed an opportunity to take a stronger stand after Macklemore was removed from the tour lineup.
Jack Antonoff calls out Ed Sheeran amid Macklemore controversy
Jack Antonoff has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s tour and Macklemore’s removal from the lineup. In an interview with The Guardian, the Bleachers frontman criticized Sheeran for continuing his Loop Tour after the rapper was dropped. Macklemore was removed following objections to his pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert.
Antonoff said Sheeran should have canceled the tour altogether instead of moving forward. “They’re going to let some f—ing promoter tell me what I can say? Don’t book me. I’ll play for free outside,” Antonoff said. He added that Sheeran “missed a massive, beautiful opportunity” to cancel the tour, perform outside the venues for free, and raise money for charity.
The producer also urged artists to resist pressure from powerful figures. “So stand the f— up,” Antonoff said, while adding that saying “Free Palestine” is “not in any way a strange, uncomfortable or controversial thing to say.”
The controversy began after Macklemore voiced support for Palestine during a September performance. He dedicated a song to pro-Palestinian protesters and criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. Israel has rejected claims describing its actions as genocide.
Days later, Macklemore announced he had been removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour. He alleged that pressure from venue owners led to the decision. Sheeran later said promoter Messina Touring Group made the call after venues indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform, potentially putting the tour at risk.
The situation prompted several acts to withdraw from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga left the remaining North American dates, while Finneas withdrew from the South American leg. Antonoff’s comments have added another chapter to the debate over artists, free speech, and political expression. Neither Sheeran nor Macklemore has publicly responded to Antonoff’s latest remarks.
