Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins growing boycott of Ed Sheeran
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US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she is no longer listening to Ed Sheeran following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the singer’s tour over his public support for Palestine.
Speaking to TMZ outside Capitol Hill, Ocasio-Cortez said she changes the radio station when Sheeran’s music comes on, while stressing that she sees the controversy as part of a broader issue involving the power of stadium owners and other industry figures.
“It’s become clear that this is not just about one music artist or two music artists,” Ocasio-Cortez said, arguing that a small number of stadium owners and powerful figures can influence whether artists are able to speak publicly about major issues.
Read more: Roger Waters attacks Ed Sheeran over Macklemore tour controversy
She specifically criticized New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium. Kraft, who is a massive supporter of 'Israel', was the reason behind Macklemore being dropped out of the tour due to his support for Palestine.
Ocasio-Cortez also acknowledged that Sheeran may have been operating under contractual and financial pressures, but said artists and other public figures should speak out against what she described as an abuse of power.
Macklemore removal sparks wider fallout
Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after several venues refused to host shows featuring him following his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Read more: All supporting acts exit Ed Sheeran’s tour after Macklemore's removal
During a September four performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore expressed support for Palestinians and said, “Free Palestine.” The tour promoter later said venue owners would not allow him to perform at their venues.
Sheeran has since said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoters and venues, not by him. He said he had attempted to mediate the dispute and described himself as opposed to the conflict and suffering surrounding the situation.
The controversy has also prompted all of Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts to withdraw from the tour. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Sheeran’s touring band Beoga announced their departures in solidarity with Macklemore.
Read more: Robert Kraft drives tour cancelation of Macklemore
