Guitar Center Contest Rejects Pro-Palestine Entries Amid Tour Controversy

Guitar Center has announced that entries with pro-Palestine messages will not be considered for its "Open for Legends" contest, which offers an artist the chance to open for Ed Sheeran in Mexico City. The decision comes after the contest was reportedly flooded with non-musical submissions, according to a statement provided to TMZ.

The company stated that the contest was developed months prior to the current situation, suggesting no connection to recent tour disruptions. This development occurs in the wake of Sheeran's tour experiencing significant upheaval, with multiple opening acts withdrawing their participation.

Tour Support Acts Withdraw

The controversy began when rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's Loop Tour dates after making pro-Palestine comments during his September 5 opening set. Following Macklemore's removal, several other support acts announced their withdrawal.

These acts included Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga. In separate statements, they cited solidarity with Palestine and opposition to perceived silencing of political expression as reasons for their departure. Macklemore claimed that billionaire Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, orchestrated his removal by issuing an ultimatum to Sheeran and other venue owners.

Sheeran addressed the situation, stating that while he respects Macklemore's activism, the venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the tour. Sheeran emphasized that he personally does not take public political stances, aiming to provide a neutral space for his diverse audience, which often includes children. He asserted that Macklemore's removal was a decision by the promoter, not himself, and that he would not abandon his fans or crew.

Macklemore, in his own statement, expressed that while he understood Sheeran's difficult position, he found a disconnect between the focus on his words and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He noted that taking a side in such matters can have significant professional consequences, which he has personally experienced.

Kraft, in defense of his actions, stated that Macklemore's remarks crossed a line and that Gillette Stadium has a commitment to being a welcoming environment, free from hate speech. He specifically cited Macklemore's history of rhetoric deemed antisemitic as a reason for barring him from performing at the stadium.

The promoter for the American leg of Sheeran's tour, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues stated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, which would have led to tour cancellations. Consequently, Macklemore was removed from the remaining support dates.

Macklemore's pro-Palestine statements included performing his song "Hind's Hall," inspired by student protests, with footage of Gaza displayed. He also explicitly called for a "Free Palestine" and addressed criticism of Israel, stating that it is not an attack on Jewish people.

Singer Pink reposted a critique of Macklemore's performance from StopAntisemitism, which condemned his message as anti-Israel propaganda. Macklemore later reiterated his stance, posting a clip of his speech with the caption, "Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial."

This is not the first time Macklemore has faced accusations of antisemitism; in 2014, he apologized after wearing a disguise that was perceived as an anti-Semitic Jewish caricature.