Ultra-right activist Tommy Robinson and former Culture Club star Boy George have expressed support for British singer Ed Sheeran. This support arose against the backdrop of a crisis in Sheeran's career related to the possibility of canceling his American tour after rapper Macklowe was excluded.
The crisis began when Macklowe was removed from the lineup of supporting artists on Sheeran's American tour. It is believed that the reason was Macklowe's statement in support of Palestine during a performance.
According to Macklowe, American billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, threatened to prohibit Sheeran and his team from using his stadium, and called on other stadium owners to do the same due to Macklowe's participation.
Kraft is known as a staunch supporter of Israel and previously headed a group of football players from the American Hall of Fame on a tour through Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Over the last two days, four other of Sheeran's supporting acts have left the tour, as has Sheeran's own band, leading to speculation that the artist may have to completely cancel his performances.
Despite Sheeran receiving little public support from friends and colleagues, some of whom praised Macklowe, strong support came from other circles.
Tommy Robinson, a well-known British ultra-right activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted on X: 'I support @edsheeran, fuck Palestine.' Robinson, a convicted criminal known for his anti-Muslim rhetoric, added: 'It's shameful everything I see on social media from suburban petty people.'
Meanwhile, singer Paloma Faith criticized Sheeran, questioning his claim that he does not bring politics into his performances. Sheeran stated on Tuesday: 'I have a personal opinion about this destructive conflict. The fact that I choose not to speak publicly does not mean I don't have one, nor does it mean I don't care.' He also noted that his audience came to concerts expecting a 'political forum.'
However, Sheeran had previously expressed support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion during concerts. YouTube star Ms Rachel, American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and others spoke out against the decision to exclude Macklowe.
On the other hand, singer Boy George, a passionate defender of Israel, supported Sheeran and condemned Macklowe for 'turning an ancient conflict into a photoshoot.'
Sheeran also received support from British Culture Secretary Liz Kendall, who expressed 'great sympathy' for the singer and hoped that 'it would not harm his tour.'
However, Sheeran's long-time collaborators turned away from him, including his supporting acts. Finneas, a Grammy-winning musician and Billie Eilish's brother, was one of the supporting artists who left Sheeran's tour. Irish songwriter Aaron Row also did the same, calling Sheeran a friend who 'changed my life.' The Irish folk group Beoga, which performed with Sheeran at every concert, also ended its collaboration.
Macklowe, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced on Wednesday that he would donate a million dollars earned from Sheeran's tour to aid groups in Palestine, challenging billionaire Kraft to double that amount. Sheeran then stated that he would donate two million dollars to help the region, although he left vague about where the money would go. Kraft added that he would 'double his [Sheeran's] donation to help the region to combat this humanitarian crisis.'
The international dispute was initially sparked by Macklowe's performances of the song Hind's Hall, which condemns the genocide of Israel in Gaza. Macklowe was filmed on stage declaring 'Free Palestine' and addressing Jewish fans, saying: 'Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, opposition to genocide—none of this is criticism of you.'
His open support for Palestine led American pro-Israel groups to demand Macklowe's exclusion from the tour. Macklowe claimed that Kraft 'gathered some other stadium owners, and collectively they gave [Sheeran] an ultimatum: if Macklowe stays on the tour, you won't be allowed to perform at our venues.' The rapper stated in an Instagram post: 'The side can cost you. Money, advertising contracts, sponsorship, festivals, private shows, relationships, and access. I lost all these things. But between the oppressor and the oppressed there is no neutral position.'
After this, Sheeran wrote on Instagram that 'Macklowe's departure from the tour was the promoter's decision, not mine.' He explained: 'I will never let down the fans who made plans, nor will I abandon the touring crew and other supporting artists and musicians who depend on me for their work.'