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Macklemore Criticizes ICE As He Launches ‘Free Palestine’ Tour
The concert was Macklemore’s first since he was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour.
Martin Short mercilessly roasts Conan O’Brien: ‘You look like Ed Sheeran in a funhouse mirror’
Martin Short mercilessly roasted Conan O’Brien on his podcast for minutes on end, calling him ‘Carrot Bottom,’ ‘Ed Sheeran in a funhouse mirror,’ and ‘a human surrender.’
New Ed Sheeran tour openers revealed after Macklemore controversy
NEW YORK — Ed Sheeran has found a couple of new opening acts for the United States leg of his Loop Tour amid controversy sparked by his ex-opener, Macklemore, who
Ed Sheeran's newest opening act praises Macklemore amid tour drama
After other musical acts quit his tour following Macklemore's removal for pro-Palestinian messaging during a performance, Ed Sheeran found a replacement opening act for a night.
Ed Sheeran's new tour opener speaks out on Macklemore, calls for 'common ground'
After other musical acts quit his tour following Macklemore's removal for pro-Palestinian messaging during a performance, Ed Sheeran has found a replacement opening act.
Ed Sheeran Joined By First 'Special Guest' Since Opening Acts Dropped Him
Macklemore was removed from the tour following remarks that included “Free Palestine,” and other support acts left in solidarity.
Zach Bryan defies Gillette Stadium's Macklemore ban with politically charged shirt
Country singer Zach Bryan’s latest political fashion statement might add more fuel to the ongoing Ed Sheeran-Macklemore tour drama.
Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fallout shouldn't be personalized, Bono says
U2 frontman Bono has weighed in on the ongoing controversy involving Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was removed from the singer's tour when venues objected to the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks.
Macklemore announces his ‘Free Palestine’ tour dates sold out
Rapper Macklemore is thrilled that the “Free Palestine” tour he launched after being booted from Ed Sheeran’s lineup has sold out its upcoming shows overseas. “I’m honestly blown away. We
U2’s Bono Exposes Ed Sheeran’s Fear of Getting ‘Political’
Bono revealed what happened when Sheeran collaborated with the band on its EP, “Days of Ash.”
Ed Sheeran told Bono he didn’t want to get into politics when collaborating on song about Ukraine war
The U2 singer said that Sheeran told him: “I just want to keep my thing free.”
Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn’t Want to ‘Get Into Politics’ While Making Track About Ukraine’s War With Russia, Says Bono
The pop star was featured on U2’s track “Yours Eternally” earlier this year
Bono Says Ed Sheeran Worried About Getting 'Into Politics' on Their Song About the War in Ukraine
Sheeran and U2 collaborated on "Yours Eternally" earlier this year before his Free Palestine fallout with Macklemore
Bono on Singing with Ed Sheeran: "He Said, 'You're Not Going to Get Me into Politics, Are You?'"
Bono of U2 has opened up about collaborating with Ed Sheeran on the song "Yours Eternally," noting the younger star did not want to get political.
Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn't Want to Get Political on Ukraine Song
Ed Sheeran collaborated with U2 on the song 'Yours Eternally,' but he told Bono that he didn't want to get political on the track about Ukraine war.
Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn’t Want to ‘Get Into Politics’ on Song About Ukraine’s War With Russia, Says Bono
U2 and Ed Sheeran collaborated earlier this year on the song “Yours Eternally” off the band’s “Days of Ash” EP, which dropped in February. Bono told Rolling Stone UK in a new interview that Sheeran ex...
Bono Said When U2 Worked With Ed Sheeran on ‘Yours Eternally,’ Singer Asked, ‘You’re Not Going To Get Me Into Politics, Are You?’
The Rock Hall of Famer said he didn't want to "personalize" the recent fallout between Sheeran and Macklemore over the rapper's pro-Palestine statements.
Bono Said Ed Sheeran Wanted to Avoid Politics While Working on U2 Collab
Bono avoided weighing in on the Ed Sheeran-Macklemore dust-up, noting Sheeran told U2 he preferred to avoid politics on their "Yours Eternally" collab.
Ed Sheeran performs in Atlanta: What to know about the controversy
Ed Sheeran's tour stops at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday. We answer some questions about his upcoming concert and controversy.
From Ed Sheeran to the NFL, Gaza Debate Reaches Sports and Entertainment
From Macklemore to Azeez Al-Shaair, Gaza activism is reshaping sports and entertainment worldwide.
Comedian Rips Into Ed Sheeran: 'Red-Headed Puppet With A Hand Up His Ass'
The “Chicken Shop Date” host didn’t hold back during her “SNL UK” monologue.
After Much Political Ado, Ed Sheeran’s Boston Concerts Are Canceled for Weather
The cancellations come after the Gillette Stadium owner pressured Mr. Sheeran to remove an act who made pro-Palestine statements.
Ed Sheeran shows at Robert Kraft’s stadium canceled due to bad weather
Ed Sheeran’s other opening acts also departed the tour in solidarity with Macklemore
Ed Sheeran's concerts at Gillette Stadium canceled
Ed Sheeran's Friday and Saturday concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., have been canceled 'due to severe weather warnings' in the region, Messina Touring announced Friday.
Ed Sheeran cancels New England concerts as Nor'easter looms
Ed Sheeran can’t be in love with the shape of this forecast
Ed Sheeran cancels New England concerts as nor’easter looms
Ed Sheeran can’t be in love with the shape of this forecast.
Ed Sheeran cancels New England concerts as Nor'easter looms
Ed Sheeran can’t be in love with the shape of this forecast. A weekend nor’easter bound for New England has prompted the cancellation of the English pop singer’s concerts Friday
Ed Sheeran cancels New England concerts as Nor'easter looms
Ed Sheeran can’t be in love with the shape of this forecast.
Ed Sheeran tour stops at Gillette Stadium canceled
Ed Sheeran's tour stops at Gillette Stadium have been canceled.
Macklemore announces new Free Palestine tour, after Ed Sheeran tour dismissal
LOS ANGELES — Macklemore remains firm in his commitment to the Palestinian cause amid Israel's deadly war in Gaza. The "Same Love" and "Hind's Hall" artist, after a recent $1
Macklemore sets Free Palestine tour after firing from Ed Sheeran tour
Macklemore reveals his Free Palestine tour, a week after he was dismissed from Ed Sheeran's tour. The tour currently consists of three stops in Europe but will later include U.S. shows, he said.
Macklemore announces 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran controversy
Macklemore performs at Rod Laver Arena on May 15, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Macklemore announces ‘Free Palestine’ Tour
SEATTLE — With his schedule suddenly “freed up a bit,” Macklemore is going back out on the road. Less than two weeks after being kicked off Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
Macklemore announces concerts benefiting Palestinian aid organizations
Macklemore has announced a series of live performances called “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Macklemore announces concerts benefiting Palestinian aid organizations
Macklemore has announced a series of live performances called “Free Palestine,” with all proceeds going to Palestinian aid organizations | NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
Ed Sheeran at Gillette: Will Kraft's move keep artists away?
Most music industry observers agree that profit, not politics, is king in the concert business.
Ed Sheeran doesn’t want to be political, but music always has been
Celebrities using their fame to champion causes they care about is not new, says George Luke. Christians shouldn't hurl hate at those whose views they don't agree with - you can just choose not to listen
‘Seen and Unseen’: Ed Sheeran poured on the emotion and gave in to politics
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo discusses a fight that broke out on a flight to London and the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from his tour on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’
'SNL UK' mocks King Charles and Ed Sheeran in AI-themed sketch
"You know sometimes, when it comes to conflicts, the bravest thing you can do is to say nothing at all."
'SNL UK' brutally roasts Ed Sheeran with 'Weekend Update'
"Will Sheeran have to cancel the tour? There's a very real risk that he won't."
Opinion | Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Why Politics Is So Hard for Celebrities
Celebrities use the facade of neutrality as shelter, as a place to take refuge.
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
Robert Kraft set a ‘powerful example’ with Macklemore ban, political analyst says
‘Fox News Sunday’ panelists discuss the Michigan U.S. Senate race, the controversy involving Ed Sheeran and Macklemore and the future of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Finneas Drops Out of Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore Was Removed
Finneas was set to perform as a supporting act for select dates of Ed Sheeran's tour later this year.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
Which side Is Ed Sheeran on?
He addressed the Kraft-Macklemore uproar at a show last night—but some topics have no safe middle ground.
Ms. Rachel Says Ed Sheeran Caved Over Macklemore Exit
The children's educator says Sheeran failed a moral test after venues reportedly threatened to block Loop Tour dates featuring Macklemore.
Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stop
At his first concert since controversy roiled his North American tour, Ed Sheeran said he is "deeply...
Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stop
At his first concert since controversy roiled his North American tour, Ed Sheeran said he is “deeply worried” by venues influencing performances after opener Macklemore was fired from the concert
Inside the Fear, Anger, and Hope at Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia Concert
The latest Loop tour stop drew heightened attention after a week’s worth of statements and fallout following Macklemore's removal from the tour
Ed Sheeran weeps onstage, admits to ‘making mistakes’ in first concert since Macklemore exit: ‘I’m so sorry’
The singer has been embroiled in controversy since Macklemore was removed for making pro-Palestine statements onstage.
'I'm so, so sorry': Ed Sheeran speaks out at his first show after Macklemore controversy
Before performing in Philadelphia on Sept. 19, Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. dates of his Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made onstage.
Ed Sheeran Clarifies Gaza Stance, Again Blames Venues for Kicking Macklemore Off Tour
Sheeran called what’s happening in Gaza “catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate” but did not take responsibility for the rapper being removed from the show
Ed Sheeran apologizes for ‘mistakes’ in first show since Macklemore was removed from tour, other openers quit
Ed Sheeran opened his Philadelphia concert with a direct apology to fans — and addressed the Israel-Hamas war — after Macklemore was dropped from his U.S. tour.
Ed Sheeran Found New Band to ‘Stand on Stage With Me' After Controversy
Ed Sheeran performed with a new backing band during his Saturday, September 19, concert after his previous team left the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore's controversial departure.
Ed Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens concert
Sheeran said he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics.
Ed Sheeran says situation in Gaza is \'catastrophic and unjustifiable\' as he opens concert
Ed Sheeran opened a concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He said in the Saturday night performance at Lincoln Financial Field that
Ed Sheeran Cries Alone Onstage in Philadelphia: 'I Am Making Mistakes. I'm So, So Sorry. I Don't Want to...
Protesters gathered outside the venue as he addressed Gaza directly for the first time.
Ed Sheeran Makes Huge Change to 'Loop Tour' Amid Macklemore Controversy
Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour looked very different from what fans may have expected when the singer-songwriter took to the stage in Philadelphia.
Ed Sheeran says situation in Gaza is \'catastrophic and unjustifiable\' as he opens solo concert
Ed Sheeran has opened a solo concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He said in the Saturday night performance at Lincoln Financial
Ed Sheeran weeps on stage, says Israel's actions in Gaza 'unjustifiable' in emotional first speech since Macklemore fiasco
Melissa Barrera Says Ed Sheeran Could Have Rebooked His Shows and “People Would Have Rallied Behind Him”
Melissa Barrera was fired from the Scream franchise in 2023 over social media posts criticizing Israel and praising Ed Sheeran’s decision to remove himself from the U.S. leg of his… The post Melissa B...
Pro-Palestinian protesters target Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert after Macklemore removed from tour
Pro-Palestinian protesters waved flags and chanted outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia concert, one week after Macklemore was dropped from the tour.
Ed Sheeran's Tour Ticket Prices Drop, More Seats Available Amid Controversy
Shortly after Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour concert for his unapologetic support of Palestine, ticket prices for the singer's upcoming Philadelphia show have dropped by at least 50 percent.
Ed Sheeran's PA Concert Undergoes Major Change Amid Macklemore Controversy
Ed Sheeran's Saturday, September 19, Loop Tour concert in Philadelphia will feature a major change as the singer continues to face backlash.
Ed Sheeran stadium drama turns to donations and humanitarian cooperation
(CNN) — On Wednesday, the rapper Macklemore said he would donate $1 million, his full net earnings from his now-truncated role on the Ed Sheeran tour, to six organizations that
Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew.
Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew | KNX News 1070 AM
Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew | Talk 1370
Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew.
Amid Ed Sheeran controversy, Philadelphia DJ Patty Jackson says it's "a new era" for music, politics
Ed Sheeran struggles against Gaza tide
Ahead of his next scheduled concert on Saturday, the "Shape of You" pop icon has spent a week scrambling to save his Loop Tour and his public image as criticism rained down from peers and social media users.
When does being ‘apolitical’ become a political act? An ethicist on the Ed Sheeran saga
Being ‘apolitical’ sounds like being neutral – but it isn’t. Can Macklemore’s removal from the Loop tour over his ‘free Palestine’ stance be defended at all?
US fans with Ed Sheeran tickets are 'torn' by Macklemore controversy
With Sheeran's next gig due this weekend, some fans said they were in two minds about the show.
Ed Sheeran Underestimates Young Fans By Saying They Shouldn’t Experience Politics at His Concerts
To imply that the young people in his audience should not have to hear the phrase “Free Palestine” is to condescend to them.
Spotlight - 'We don't just want to hear Ed Sheeran sing and play guitar, we want to know his politics'
Dear Ed Sheeran, fence-sitting is so last century: musicians can no longer opt out of politics
It’s all very 2026: with a stadium owner on one side and angry support acts on the other, the cornered star will have to pick a side, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams
The Strange New Politics of AI. Plus. . .
It’s Thursday, September 17. This is The Front Page, your daily window into the world of The Free Press—and our take on the world at large. Today: Douglas Murray asks, why do we allow terrorists to die of old age? The American nonprofits backing Hamas. A conversation with Dara Horn and Coleman Hughes. And much more. But first: inside the unlikely coalition warning that AI may kill us all. Last week, an AI researcher named Jacob Coxon made headlines around the world after saying that he had resigned from Anthropic because he believes AI might cause human extinction—and his co-workers do, too. Unlike the rest of us, potentially, the story just won’t die. The Pro-Human Assembly, a conference held Tuesday in Washington, D.C., about the existential dangers of artificial intelligence, couldn’t have come at a better time—or with a more eclectic coalition. The Archbishop of San Francisco was there. So was Steve Bannon, screaming about the Chinese. Bernie Sanders did a quasi-dramatic reading of messages posted to an online forum by rogue AI agents. Ashley Judd paraphrased a graphic Andrea Dworkin quote for reasons that remain a mystery to me still. It was odd. People in the AI industry have talked openly about the possibility of this technology causing human extinction for years, but it hits differently in the wake of the Hugging Face incident. If you don’t know what that is, all the more reason to read my dispatch today. As the doomers see it, the best-case scenario is a future in which humans are basically kept as pets: well cared for, but with zero autonomy. The worst-case scenario, obviously, is the everyone dies thing. What should be done? I heard lots of ideas but no easy answers. There are currently zero federal regulations on AI, which is sort of strange even to think about. After all, we regulate microwaves, and the people running the microwave industry have never once refused to rule out the possibility that their products will end all human life on Earth. What I saw in D.C. left me even more convinced that you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who believes nothing should be done. You know, except for President Trump. — River Page River Page • Tech and Business [ The AI Doomers Have a Plan to Save Us. I Went to Find Out What It Is. ](https://www.thefp.com/p/the-ai-doomers-have-plan-save-bernie-sanders-bannon) Read story How Robert Kraft Made Macklemore a Martyr—and How to Better Fight Antisemitism On Monday, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and a group of other NFL owners banned Macklemore from performing at their stadiums after the rapper delivered a “Free Palestine” speech while opening for Ed Sheeran. Kraft cited the rapper’s “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” Once multiple venues refused to host shows with Macklemore on the lineup, the tour’s promoter officially dropped him. Today, Josh Kaplan says that the move was counterproductive, arguing that though well-intentioned, Kraft’s decision turned an irrelevant footnote into a martyr. “You cannot cancel people into liking you,” Josh writes. Read his column on what a better response to Macklemore would have looked like. Read [ Robert Kraft Made Macklemore a Martyr ](https://www.thefp.com/p/robert-kraft-made-macklemore-martyr-antisemitism-palestine) This raises the question: What actually works against antisemitism? On the latest episode of Conversations with Coleman, recorded in front of a live audience in New York, Dara Horn joins Coleman Hughes to talk about her new book The Final Solution to the Jewish Question. She argues that antisemitism is a script that has repeated itself across countries and ideologies, and that most people don’t understand that well enough to fight it. Don’t miss their conversation. Watch [ The Lie at the Center of Antisemitism, with Dara Horn ](https://www.thefp.com/p/the-lie-at-the-center-of-antisemitism-coleman-hughes-dana-horn) Listen now Douglas Murray • U.S. Politics [ Douglas Murray: The 9/11 Failure That Still Haunts America ](https://www.thefp.com/p/douglas-murray-911-failure-justice-terrorist-guantanamo-bay) Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the men who planned them have still not faced trial. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and most of the accused have been locked up in Guantanamo Bay since 2002. Judges have retired, and plea deals have collapsed. Today, Douglas Murray examines how this happened and argues that a justice system that allows terrorists to die of old age in an interminable pretrial process is one that has failed. Read his latest column on what that failure says about our unpreparedness for the era we are now living in. Read story The Editors • U.S. Politics [ When Nonprofits Support Terrorists ](https://www.thefp.com/p/when-nonprofits-support-terrorists) A newly declassified CIA brief from 1998 found that Osama bin Laden used nonprofit shell organizations—including U.S.-based Islamic groups—to fund his terror plots. Today, a similar story is unfolding as multiple organizations on American soil present themselves as nonprofits, taking advantage of tax-exempt status while seeking to advance the ideological mission of terrorist groups like Hamas. Read our editorial on the latest evidence of this dangerous trend—and why there’s no excuse for making the same mistake the CIA revealed 28 years ago. Read story Simon Sebag Montefiore and Bari Weiss Live in New York For decades, the Middle East has shaped American foreign policy and loomed large in the public consciousness. Few understand its influence on our politics better than Simon Sebag Montefiore, who argues that America’s quagmires in the Middle East stem from a deep misunderstanding of the region—on both the left and the right. Join him October 1 as he sits down with Bari Weiss live in New York City to kick off his U.S. book tour for The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. Get Tickets Now MORE FROM THE FREE PRESS [ Sydney Sweeney’s Naked Truth ](https://www.thefp.com/p/sydney-sweeneys-naked-truth-caitlin-flanagan) Caitlin Flanagan Read story [ I Thought Ukraine Was Losing. Then I Was Almost Hit by a Russian Drone. ](https://www.thefp.com/p/elliot-ackerman-ukraine-drone-gas-station-train) Elliot Ackerman Read story [ The Dangerous Ideology Behind the AI Warnings ](https://www.thefp.com/p/dangerous-ideology-effective-altruism-artificial-intelligence) Shyam Sankar Read story [ Amanda Knox: Patrick Clancy Can’t Win ](https://www.thefp.com/p/amanda-knox-patrick-clancy-grief-internet-crime) Amanda Knox Read story THE NEWS The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point, its first hike since 2023, signaling that another increase could follow as the central bank tries to bring inflation under control. President Donald Trump fired back by demanding that rates be cut sharply, though he stopped short of criticizing Fed Chair Kevin Warsh by name. The Houthis fired drones and missiles at Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, including a major oil port on the Red Sea, and Saudi jets struck back with air strikes across Yemen in an escalating front of the Middle East war. (For more on the Houthis, read Zineb Riboua’s column from earlier this week.) A sweeping Russia and Iran sanctions bill passed the House in a 262–159 vote and is now heading to Trump for his signature. Named after the late senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation would hit countries that purchase large volumes of Russian oil and gas with tariffs of up to 100 percent, and is aimed at cutting off revenue that funds Russia’s war in Ukraine. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first-ever “associate member,” drawing a standing ovation from European lawmakers. The proposal, framed as a response to a world grown more hostile, faces an uncertain path as EU member states would have to approve it, and one diplomat said that “nobody really knows what it means.” The House voted unanimously to send billionaire Leon Black a criminal contempt referral after he defied a congressional subpoena to testify and hand over documents related to his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Black chose to fight the subpoena in court rather than comply. Charlie Kirk’s family filed a wrongful death notice Wednesday against Utah Valley University, alleging that a series of security failures left him exposed to a rooftop sniper. The notice is a required legal step before the family can sue. Merriam-Webster added 1,400 words and definitions to its dictionary, including looksmaxxing, vibe coding, and cuffing season. The publisher said the new entries offer “a window into the world today.” The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article.
Music, politics, power – Why Macklemore's Ed Sheeran tour dispute is unprecedented
Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour raises bigger questions about free speech, venue power and who controls the stage.
Music, politics, power – Why Macklemore's Ed Sheeran tour dispute is unprecedented
Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour raises bigger questions about free speech, venue power and who controls the stage.
Music, politics, power – Why Macklemore's Ed Sheeran tour dispute is unprecedented
Music and politics have collided for as long as music and politics have existed.
Music, politics, power – Why Macklemore's Ed Sheeran tour dispute is unprecedented
Music and politics have collided for as long as music and politics have existed.
Macklemore donating $1 million in Ed Sheeran tour earnings
The Seattle rapper challenged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match his donation.
Mapping Ed Sheeran's remaining tour dates after Macklemore fallout
Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has made over a dozen stops across the country since June, but going forward his lineup of opening acts will be different.
The Jewish Leaders Celebrating Macklemore’s Dismissal From Ed Sheeran’s Tour Have Lost the Plot on Antisemitism
The leaders of many Jewish organizations need to understand what their constituents think about Israel.
Dumping Macklemore from his tour makes apolitical Ed Sheeran political
Apolitical singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is on the defense since Monday when Seattle rapper Macklemore announced that he had been dropped from Sheeran’s “Loop” tour.
Dumping Macklemore from his tour makes apolitical Ed Sheeran political
Apolitical singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is on the defense since Monday when Seattle rapper Macklemore announced that he had been dropped from Sheeran’s “Loop” tour.
What to know about Ed Sheeran's tour after Macklemore was cut
Sheeran's tour has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments
What to know about Ed Sheeran's tour after Macklemore was cut
Sheeran's tour has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments
Ed Sheeran wants to stay out of politics. By quitting his tour, his support acts have exposed the hollowness of neutrality
By standing behind support act Macklemore, who was removed from the tour for his vocal support of Palestine, these artists are demonstrating the self-sacrifice necessary to stand against those crushing free speech
Has the cultural tide finally shifted on Palestine?
Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour sparked a wave of solidarity from fellow artists – and exposed how much the cultural politics around Palestine have changed
Ed Sheeran row: How being music's Mr Nice Guy contributed to biggest crisis of his career
Sheeran tries to stay away from politics and controversy, but that stance has come in for criticism.
5 Times Ed Sheeran Has Taken A Public Stand On Political And Social Issues
It comes after the remaining support acts withdraw from his Loop Tour.
‘Not surprising’ to see Ilhan Omar supporting Macklemore, political commentator says
Fox News contributor Joe Concha and political commentator Debra Lea discuss the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s ad for sports trading app Novig and Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour on ‘Fox News @ Night.’
Ed Sheeran tour: Finneas, Aaron Rowe withdraw after Macklemore removal
Finneas and Aaron Rowe are among the musical acts that have pulled the plug on their upcoming performances with Ed Sheeran, in the latest shake-up to the singer's tour.
Ed Sheeran: Choice to boot Macklemore from tour 'not mine'
Ed Sheeran speaks out about his tour promoter's decision to drop Macklemore from the remaining dates of his Loop tour.
More artists drop out of Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore
Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Denmark's Lukas Graham, and Finneas posted separately on social media that they would withdraw from the tour.
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore removal from tour after Palestine comments
NEW YORK — Ed Sheeran is speaking out after Macklemore was pulled as the supporting act on his tour following comments the rapper made about Palestine. According to the headliner,