US politician weighs in on Ed Sheeran, Macklemore controversy

Bernie Sanders has criticized the removal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s US tour.

Taking to social media, the former Democratic presidential candidate said in a statement,
In the United States of America, billionaire stadium owners should not be able to silence artists because they speak out on political issues. Today it is the genocide in Gaza. What's next? If they can silence one artist, they can silence anyone."

Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel's assault on Gaza, ‌was axed from the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour after his "Free Palestine" remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash.

Later, Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy in a statement, saying "I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge ... I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final," Sheeran said on Tuesday via X.

"Macklemore coming off tour was ⁠the promoter's decision, it was not mine," said the British singer.