Aaron Rowe has come out in support of Ed Sheeran amid the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour. The Irish singer-songwriter, who also left the tour, said he believes public attention has been directed toward the wrong person.Aaron Rowe was among the supporting acts who withdrew after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The decision followed Macklemore’s public comments supporting Palestinians. Other opening acts and Ed Sheeran’s backing band also subsequently left the tour in solidarity.In an Instagram video posted on Friday, September 18, Aaron Rowe addressed the fallout. He argued that billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft should receive more attention in the debate.“I’m gonna be honest. I think you are all focusing on the wrong person here,” Aaron said. “All I keep hearing is Ed Sheeran this, Ed Sheeran that — when you really should be focusing on the likes of Robert Kraft. You really should be focusing on the Zionist lobbies that are trying to silence the voices of people who are shouting about genocide, the genocide that is happening in Palestine right now by Israel.”
Aaron Rowe backs Ed Sheeran amid controversy
Aaron Rowe also acknowledged that Ed Sheeran’s response to the controversy could have been stronger. Ed Sheeran had said that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and venues rather than by him. Messina Touring Group has also said venues had objected to Macklemore remaining on the lineup.Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, had also said Macklemore would not perform at the venue. Kraft has defended his position by citing concerns over Macklemore’s past statements and what he described as offensive rhetoric toward the Jewish community.Aaron Rowe nevertheless said he believes Ed Sheeran understands that mistakes were made during the episode.“I haven’t had a chance to f***ing talk to Ed too much, but I fully believe he knows that was a mistake,” he said in the video.
Aaron Rowe says Macklemore should not have been removed
Aaron Rowe made clear that he did not agree with Macklemore’s removal from the tour. He suggested that the decision may have resulted from panic surrounding the controversy. The Irish singer also pointed to the views expressed by several artists associated with the tour. He questioned why Ed Sheeran would have selected performers who support Palestinians if he himself held the position being attributed to him.“Like, if Ed Sheeran was a fing Zionist, why would he have all these fing people on the f***ing tour?” Aaron said.Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after pro-Palestinian remarks during his performances. Several other artists later withdrew from the tour in solidarity with him.
Aaron Rowe calls for focus on Robert Kraft
Aaron Rowe then directed his criticism toward governments, the media and sections of the music industry. He argued that institutions with substantial financial and political influence should do more to address the situation in Gaza.He also said that Ireland and other governments had failed to respond adequately, according to his assessment. Aaron Rowe argued that people should use their influence to challenge those he believes are attempting to restrict discussion of the conflict.“You should be using this opportunity to plaster Robert Kraft’s face everywhere, someone who tried to shut down free speech, someone who tried to silence the voices of people who are shouting out genocide,” Aaron asserted. “That’s what you should be using your energy on, not fing Ed Sheeran, for f’s sake.”
Fans react to Aaron Rowe’s Instagram video
Aaron Rowe’s comments have generated a range of reactions on social media. Several users praised him for speaking out, while others continued to criticize Ed Sheeran over the controversy.One fan wrote, “Well said mate.” Another commented, “Well said Aaron.. But stay professional. You will do much more if you stay composed and use your popularity. I love your anger and I love your passion. Keep up the hard work..”A third user wrote, “some fair and correct points. yes people make mistakes but Ed (like the rest of us) needs to correct his mistake now or face criticism of his character..” Another fan asked, “Ready to hear him say he made a mistake? .” One more comment read, “Ed made his choice!.”Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour resumed in Philadelphia on September 19 following the withdrawal of the supporting acts. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, FINNEAS and Beoga were among those who had exited the tour after Macklemore’s removal.
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