Chronicle poll results: Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
We asked our readers what they think about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “What do you think about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour?” Of the 216 people who responded, 66% said, “It was appropriate and the right thing to do”; 15% said, “It was appropriate but not the wisest thing to do — it could backfire”; 12% said, “It was complicated; both sides have legitimate concerns”; and 7% said, “It was an inappropriate restriction on free speech.” Comments were submitted by 60 people. A few follow.
Macklemore’s history of antisemitism makes Robert Kraft’s move understandable. He was also performing at a private venue, so I feel Kraft had the right to not let Jewish patrons (and other Israel supporters) feel uncomfortable at having to listen to Macklemore’s political views. People come to a concert to hear music, not politics. If they want that, go to a rally, not a concert.
Kraft made Macklemore a martyr.
I feel sorry for Ed Sheeran. He wanted to remain apolitical, but in these times, that is nearly impossible.
Free speech isn’t always free; occasionally it has consequences — especially when the person speaking has a history of hate.
Macklemore was only continuing his years of anti-Jewish performances: from leading “Free Palestine” cheers to prancing around in long-nosed Chasidic garb. He should be “canceled.”
Music concerts are venues for music. They are not venues for political rallies. Many other platforms exist to express political views.
Sheeran is the boss. He can decline to let others ride on his coattails, using the platform of his performances, for any reason. Macklemore is free to get his own platform, as he did; his speech remains free and this is not censorship. If you say that Sheeran is required to enable Macklemore, then do you also accept the obligation to support every cause that seeks your money or support regardless of how you feel about it?
We need to stop pretending that this is a “free speech” issue. It’s incitement to violence and incredibly dangerous.
The fact that Macklemore is notoriously antisemitic and has made crazy claims about Jews in the past did not stop him from being on Ed Sheeran’s tour in the first place but him talking about Palestine did? It is a confusing and contradictory statement. I do think that doing this has gotten Macklemore more press and attention than he has had in a while and might have factored into his decision. I have no feelings about Ed Sheeran. Since this has no bearing on political machinations I don’t believe it is a free-speech issue. It is like being terminated from an at- will employer. There have been no restrictions on his speech, just consequences. No one is stopping Macklemore from saying whatever he wants. What is moral and what is legal are not always one and the same. All in all, I don’t think he should have been on the tour in the first place, but I wasn’t going to see Ed Sheeran anyway.
Maybe now he’ll Mackle less.
Who’s Macklemore?? PJC
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