U2 Backs Free Speech Amid Tour Controversy

U2 members The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. have publicly defended rapper Macklemore's right to free expression, following his removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. The Edge stated that while Macklemore should be supported in speaking his mind, Ed Sheeran should not face blame for the situation.

Larry Mullen Jr. further asserted that artists have a fundamental human right to be politically active and that no promoter or owner has the authority to censor them, regardless of disagreement. Macklemore was dismissed from the tour's North American leg after expressing support for Palestine and performing a song titled "Hind's Hall" at MetLife Stadium.

Promoter Messina Touring Group cited venue restrictions, while New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft specifically barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium due to his comments and alleged "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric." In response to Macklemore's removal, several acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, departed the tour in solidarity with the rapper.

Ed Sheeran later apologized for his handling of the situation. Macklemore has since organized benefit concerts for Palestinian support organizations in Dublin, Paris, and London, featuring artists like Hozier.