Australian radio presenter Kyle Sandilands has criticized American rapper Macklemore after the performer was dropped as an opening act from Ed Sheeran's American tour over pro-Palestinian stage comments.
Sandilands also targeted other tour openers who departed in solidarity, including Billie Eilish's brother Finneas, calling them "soft c**k lefties" during his broadcast on the Kyle Sandilands Live radio show this week.
Speaking on air, Sandilands argued that concert audiences buy tickets strictly to listen to music. "We are paying to come and watch you perform music," he said, adding that "music is for everyone and no one in that crowd should be made to feel unwanted by anyone that we're paying to come and watch."
The Australian broadcaster suggested that Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, should keep quiet on political topics because he is "not big enough" to mount his own headline tour. "Don't piggyback on someone else's career to push your own political nonsense. No one cares about that," Sandilands said.
Sandilands also addressed fellow musicians who walked away from the tour line-up following the dismissal, referring to them as "people who also quit that no one ever heard of before." He told listeners: "See you then. Good luck ever getting on a concert tour again any of you."
He urged Macklemore to refrain from sharing political opinions "until you're going to be big enough one day to fill up a stadium of people."
Radio Host Criticizes Tour Openers
Kyle Sandilands is a prominent Australian media personality and shock jock known for his outspoken commentary on commercial radio. As co-host of top-rated morning broadcasts in Sydney and a former judge on network talent shows, Sandilands has built a career around unfiltered opinions on celebrity news, entertainment, and public affairs.
Macklemore Dropped From Loop Tour
Macklemore was dropped from the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour earlier this month after making pro-Palestinian comments during a stage performance. The Seattle-born rapper gained global recognition alongside producer Ryan Lewis, winning multiple Grammy Awards for chart-topping singles such as Thrift Shop and Can't Hold Us.
Following his removal, Haggerty stated that Sheeran spoke directly to billionaire businessman Robert Kraft regarding stadium bookings. Kraft owns Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, through his holding company, the Kraft Group, and serves as the owner of the New England Patriots NFL franchise.
"Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium," Haggerty wrote. He added that Sheeran told him Kraft had rallied several other stadium owners across the country who collectively gave Sheeran an ultimatum: "if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues."
Ed Sheeran Statement on Instagram
On Tuesday, Ed Sheeran released his own statement on Instagram addressing the controversy. The English singer-songwriter, known for global hits like Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud, explained that removing Macklemore was not his decision, but rather the promoter's.
"I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living," Sheeran wrote.
Sheeran acknowledged in his statement that he has "personal views on this devastating conflict," but made the choice "not to speak publicly."
Artist Withdrawals and Industry Backlash
Following Macklemore's removal, several scheduled opening acts withdrew from upcoming tour dates. American producer and songwriter Finneas, the brother and primary collaborator of pop star Billie Eilish, pulled out of his scheduled appearances, stating that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed."
Other supporting acts also withdrew from the tour, including singer Aaron Rowe, Danish pop-soul band Lukas Graham, and Sheeran's long-time backing folk band Beoga, who previously collaborated with Sheeran on his hit single Galway Girl.
Sheeran also faced criticism from veteran musicians, including Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters. The rock musician bashed Sheeran on social media for not taking a stand against the venue owners' decision to remove Macklemore.
Philadelphia Concert Address
Sheeran addressed fans directly from the stage during his concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday. Speaking at the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles, Sheeran reflected on the difficult situation surrounding the tour.
"I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so, so sorry," Sheeran told the audience. He added: "I don't want to disappoint fans and I've never wanted to be an activist musician. But this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech in the most complex political issue on the planet."
Sheeran emphasized that his concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, stating that the issue matters hugely to him. "Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely central to who I am and that is why I'm here tonight, on my own, and continuing my own tour," he said.
The singer went on to say that he was "deeply worried" about venue owners pre-approving the content of a performance. "This happens in so many places that I've gone around the world, but it should never happen in the free world," Sheeran concluded.
