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The Forum > General Discussion > Ed Sheeran's concert call and free speech

Ed Sheeran's concert call and free speech

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World renowned musician Ed Sheeran has been drawn into controversy after U.S rapper 'Macklemore' was dropped from his US concerts following objections to his “Free Palestine” comments. His comments did though include more like wanting freedoms for other countries, desires for world peace and stating his comments were not criticisms of Jewish people.

Stadium owner Robert Kraft though cited concerns about antisemitism and threatened to withdraw Ed Sheeran’s shows if Macklemore stayed on - with Ed Sheeran having to deliver the bad news to Macklemore that he could not stay on.

Other performers subsequently pulled out in protest, objecting to billionaire stadium owners suppressing musicians and artistic expression.

Strangely though musician Kanye West know known as 'Ye' has performed at concerts putting out his own antisemitic songs and has sold clothing with nazi symbols on them. He will be allowed to perform at many stadiums where Macklemore has been banned.

Meanwhile Ed Sheeran has said he doesn't take sides, despite supporting Ukraine, supporting Jeremy Corbyn, standing for LGBTQ+ equality and opposing Brexit.

Ed Sheeran has customers who now want refunds to concerts, ticket resale prices have hit all time lows and he has lost large numbers of supporters on social media.

The whole situation raises questions about where legitimate concerns about antisemitism end and censorship begins - particularly when other performers accused of antisemitic conduct continue appearing at major stadiums and venues.
Posted by NathanJ, Saturday, 19 September 2026 2:08:36 PM
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When you say things like "globalise the intifada" on stage at a public gathering, you should be aware that there might be commercial consequences.

Maybe the BBC could look after Ed until the storm blows over?
Posted by Fester, Sunday, 20 September 2026 1:07:56 PM
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Concerts are for entertainment.
They should not contain deliberate references to any contentious public issue.
There is surely a better time and place for such matters to be given public attention.
Posted by Ipso Fatso, Sunday, 20 September 2026 1:19:07 PM
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But Ipso, those fp people are such peaceful darlings. I just saw one at a peaceful public gathering say that PH should be executed and then he assaulted the cameraman.
Posted by Fester, Sunday, 20 September 2026 1:26:29 PM
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