General · 17 September 2026

Billy Bragg urges Ed Sheeran to cancel tour over Macklemore comments

Ben Sutherland via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

British protest singer Billy Bragg stated on Wednesday that Ed Sheeran ought to call off his tour rather than permit wealthy individuals to control his performances. Opening act Macklemore was dropped due to his "Free Palestine" comments, prompting other support acts to withdraw. Sheeran has defended his apolitical stance, while stadium owner Robert Kraft and Sheeran have each pledged $2m for humanitarian relief.

By BriefTea Editorial · 17 September 2026 at 14:17

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

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What is 'apolitical'? Why do artists withdraw? What is humanitarian relief?

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