Rapper Macklemore is set to launch a "Free Palestine" tour, just days after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour due to pro-Palestinian comments he made during a performance earlier this month. The announcement came on Thursday, where Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, expressed that his schedule had opened up following the controversy.
Tour Details
The tour will kick off in Dublin on 26 October, followed by performances in Paris on 29 October and London on 30 October. Macklemore stated that proceeds from the tour will be donated to organizations supporting Palestinians. He mentioned that additional US dates will be added, with tickets going on sale next week.
Background of the Controversy
Macklemore's comments on stage and his subsequent removal from the tour led to a ripple effect, causing Sheeran's support acts to withdraw in solidarity. Sheeran clarified that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by his promoter, not by him personally.
In a statement, Macklemore reflected on the recent events, saying, "The last couple of weeks have shown me there has been a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation, the power of billionaires that try to censor that call, and what we expect from artists right now." He emphasized the broader implications of his removal, stating, "What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention."
