Lewis Hamilton backs Macklemore after removal from Ed Sheeran tour

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly backed rapper Macklemore after the artist was dropped from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

Hamilton left a brief comment on Macklemore’s Instagram post explaining the situation: “Thank you for using your voice, standing with you.”

The comment came as the post, detailing the events that led to the removal, drew millions of likes and support from other public figures.

The controversy began at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, where Macklemore opened for Sheeran.

He performed his protest track “Hind’s Hall,” displayed imagery related to Gaza, and told the crowd that a major reason he joined the tour was to say “two words that are very near and dear to my heart: free Palestine.”

He also stressed that criticism of ‘Israeli’ policies “in no way is a criticism” of Jewish people.

Backlash followed quickly from pro-‘Israel’ groups and some artists.

Macklemore later posted a lengthy statement saying Sheeran and his team had removed him from the tour.

He claimed Sheeran told him that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose group controls Gillette Stadium, would not allow him to perform there and had urged other venue owners to issue an ultimatum: keep Macklemore and lose access to their stadiums.

Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that venues had said they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill, risking cancellation of remaining dates.

In his statement, Macklemore emphasized perspective: “I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world… The victims are the Palestinian people.”

He described Sheeran, a friend of 13 years, as being “in a f—-- up position” and said their conversations ended in “fundamental disagreement” over the English singer’s preference for an apolitical public stance.

Sheeran responded that the decision was not his.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote, adding that he had spoken with venues, including Kraft, in an effort to “build a bridge.”

He said he is “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine” and has personal views but chooses not to use his platform for politics because his audiences include young people seeking a non-political experience.

“I am not complicit,” Sheeran stated.

Several other support acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Celebrities including Greta Thunberg, Kehlani, Zara Larsson and others also voiced support.

Macklemore later announced he would donate his full $1 million in net earnings from the tour dates he did play to organizations aiding Palestinians and invited Kraft to match the gift.

Hamilton’s intervention fits a pattern of the Ferrari driver speaking out on social issues throughout his career.