Ed Sheeran is facing mounting criticism from climate activist Greta Thunberg and children's educator Ms Rachel following the explosive fallout over rapper Macklemore's removal from the singer's US tour. Thunberg accused Sheeran of having a "lack of spine", while Ms Rachel called for greater attention to children and people suffering in the Gaza genocide. The backlash comes after Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour after making outspoken pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Sheeran has maintained that the decision was not his, saying the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and venues, rather than by him personally. The dispute has since grown into a wider debate about the responsibility of artists with large platforms to speak out about the genocide in Gaza and other humanitarian crises. Greta Thunberg has now entered the row, saying Sheeran should be held accountable over his handling of the controversy.
Thunberg argued that people with significant public platforms and access to resources have a greater responsibility to act. "The bigger your platform and your access to resources, the bigger your responsibility," she said. Thunberg also called on people to move beyond statements and support measures including boycotts, sanctions and divestment. Her comments came as Sheeran attempted to explain his position on the genocide in Gaza and the controversy surrounding Macklemore.
Sheeran has said he is "appalled" by the suffering caused by the Israel-Palestine conflict and described it as a human tragedy. He has also said he does not want his concerts to become political platforms, while maintaining that his decision to keep his shows focused on music should not be interpreted as indifference to the suffering of civilians. Ms Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, has also weighed in on the controversy, urging people not to lose sight of children and civilians affected by the genocide.
Ms Rachel referred to Kinan, saying his entire family had been killed, and highlighted what she described as a new acronym being used in Gaza. "WCNSF - Wounded child No Surviving Family," she said. The acronym refers to children who have been wounded while having no surviving family members. Ms Rachel has previously used her large social-media platform to speak about children affected by the genocide in Gaza.
She also broadened her comments to children suffering in other parts of the world, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She argued that the international response to suffering can differ depending on the race of those affected. "When children who have white skin are suffering, the world unites to come to their aid and speak out," she said. She accused people with privilege of turning away from children suffering elsewhere.
The controversy surrounding Sheeran and Macklemore erupted after the rapper spoke about Palestinians during his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium. Macklemore has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians and has used his performances to discuss the genocide in Gaza. Thunberg went further in her criticism, saying people needed to be prepared to leave their comfort zones when confronting what they believe are serious injustices.
Key points
- Greta Thunberg accused Ed Sheeran of having a "lack of spine" over his handling of the controversy.
- Ms Rachel urged people to focus on children suffering in Gaza, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the responsibility of artists with large platforms to speak out about humanitarian crises.
