Rosie O'Donnell Criticizes Ed Sheeran for Continuing Tour After Macklemore's Removal

Rosie O'Donnell has publicly criticized singer Ed Sheeran for continuing his U.S. tour after rapper Macklemore was dropped as a supporting act for his pro-Palestine statements. O'Donnell made the remarks during an appearance on the Irish television show, The Late Late Show.

During the interview, O'Donnell addressed Macklemore's removal, which she linked to statements made by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Macklemore, in a September 14 statement, accused Kraft of rallying stadium owners against him following a September 5 performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium where he expressed support for Palestine. O'Donnell characterized Kraft as part of a "corrupt" class of "billionaire elites" who influence the U.S. government.

She praised Macklemore for his activism, calling him "brave and bold" for advocating for an end to the conflict and for Palestinian freedom. O'Donnell stated her own belief in the cause.

O'Donnell then turned her criticism to Sheeran, accusing the 35-year-old artist of making a "very bad mistake" by not standing with Macklemore and refusing to perform. She suggested Sheeran would eventually understand the consequences of aligning with what she termed "billionaire elites in supporting genocide" rather than those advocating against it.

Sheeran, in an Instagram statement on September 15, asserted that Macklemore's removal from the tour was a decision made by the promoters, not by him. He stated that he had spoken with venues throughout the week attempting to mediate but that their decision was final. Sheeran also expressed a desire to avoid being drawn into public discourse on the war in Gaza, saying, "I am not complicit," but acknowledging that "there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace."

Sheeran later appeared emotional during a show in Philadelphia on September 19, speaking about the criticism he had received. He told the audience that he had questioned his desire to perform and that it had been a difficult week. He explained that he had initially avoided taking a public stance to prevent being seen as a "political commentator," but that he could no longer hide his feelings on the "humanitarian issue."

Sheeran acknowledged the "horrific" events of October 7th in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival, while also describing the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate."

O'Donnell, who moved to Ireland early last year, has recently been guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the United States. She has indicated plans for a potential return to television with a show that would echo her past popular program, "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."