Paloma Faith criticizes Ed Sheeran over Macklemore — Jerusalem Post
Israeli outlet The Jerusalem Post reported that singer Paloma Faith criticized Ed Sheeran during a Channel 4 interview on Friday for his reluctance to comment on the war in Gaza. The conversation took place amid a dispute involving American rapper Macklemore and his withdrawal from Sheeran’s tour.
Faith said that every night before bed, she tells her children, “Free Palestine.” According to her, she was upset by Sheeran’s position, as he explained his reluctance to speak out by saying that his audience includes young people, including children, from different backgrounds. The singer said that children should be made aware of politics, given the situation of children in Palestine.
Criticism of Sheeran’s wording
Faith also objected to the use of the word “conflict” to describe the war in Gaza. In her view, the wording of Sheeran’s statement should have been thought through more carefully. She added that prominent performers cannot remain detached from political issues, as being apolitical is also a political choice, in her assessment.
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Artists withdraw from the tour
After Macklemore announced that he would no longer perform on the tour, Sheeran wrote on Instagram that the decision had been made by the promoter, not by him. Later, three more performers who were set to open for the tour—Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Finneas—announced that they were leaving it.
Faith called Macklemore and the other performers who left the tour heroic and said that his statements had not been inflammatory. She also defended the rapper after Robert Kraft accused him of a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric” over controversial images in the past. The singer said she believes Macklemore’s denials of antisemitism and considers that such accusations may silence supporters of Palestinian rights.
