Ed Sheeran's Friend Criticizes Singer's Response to Macklemore Controversy

Longtime friend of singer Ed Sheeran, Jordan Stephens, has strongly criticized Sheeran's response to the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore. Stephens, a member of the group Rizzle Kicks, stated that Sheeran's public comments on the matter have been detrimental.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran's US tour after declaring "Free Palestine" during a performance. The rapper has since announced a series of concerts in Europe to benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people.

Stephens, who has known Sheeran for over 15 years, expressed his concerns on the "Miss Me? podcast." He indicated that he had privately reached out to Sheeran as the situation unfolded. "The closeness with Ed goes insofar as we were wanting to give him space to respond and see if there was something to come from that response," Stephens said.

He characterized Sheeran's official statements as "unacceptable" and criticized the singer's use of the term "conflict" to describe the situation in Gaza, calling it "appalling."

"Every time he speaks on stage, it gets worse," Stephens declared, suggesting that someone should intervene. He noted Sheeran's use of a teleprompter during a stage address, stating, "It would be nice to come from the heart." Stephens also disputed Sheeran's assertion that the situation was "incredibly complex," arguing that it was not.

Stephens believes Sheeran's initial involvement in the dispute did not require him to take a definitive stance. "All he had to do was have a backbone and say, 'I'm not going to carry on playing if you're taking one of my mates off.' Why have you booked Macklemore if you're not willing to stand by him?"

The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore made his "Free Palestine" declaration at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Following this, tour promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the remaining US dates, citing objections from multiple venues. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose group operates Gillette Stadium, also barred Macklemore, citing concerns about alleged antisemitic rhetoric, which Macklemore denies.

Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him. He said he had tried to mediate between Macklemore, the promoters, and the venues. Several other support acts on the tour withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, amplifying the criticism directed at Sheeran for not doing more to keep the rapper on the bill.

Stephens acknowledged the personal impact of the backlash on Sheeran, noting that "money doesn't provide you with emotional resilience." He described the preceding week as "hellish" for the singer, who had spoken on stage about friends distancing themselves from him.

However, Stephens also contended that Sheeran's position offered him leverage. "You do have power in that position," he asserted.

Sheeran addressed the situation at a concert in Philadelphia, admitting he had made mistakes and apologizing. He stated he never intended to be an "activist musician" but that the row had drawn him into a debate about free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Sheeran previously condemned the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, as "horrific," and described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate," emphasizing that his concerts should be a "safe space for everyone."