Hannah Einbinder criticizes Ed Sheeran amid Macklemore tour controversy

<p>Hannah Einbinder has criticized Ed Sheeran following the backlash over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s U.S. tour. The "Hacks" star made a post on Instagram, joking that she was speaking "as a ginger" before wishing Sheeran an "especially painful sunburn."</p><p>In her post, she stated, "Ed Sheeran I say this as a ginger. I hope you get a REALLY bad sun burn the kind on the back of your entire body where it hurts to lie down or walk or sit." This comment followed Macklemore being dropped from Sheeran’s "Loop Tour" after he made onstage comments supporting Palestinians.</p><p>Einbinder was among several celebrities who publicly criticized Sheeran, who addressed the controversy in a lengthy statement posted on social media. Sheeran explained that Macklemore had asked to join his tour last year, and he agreed because he respects him as an artist. However, he noted that after Macklemore’s performances at his New Jersey shows, venues scheduled for upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.</p><p>Sheeran stated, "I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final."</p><p>Sheeran emphasized that he has avoided using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from diverse backgrounds. He stated, "Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace."</p><p>Despite his explanation, criticism of Sheeran continued. "Wicked" actor Marissa Bode accused him of lacking a backbone, while children’s educator Ms. Rachel argued that Sheeran had "caved" to those opposing Macklemore’s advocacy. Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters also criticized Sheeran, contrasting Macklemore’s willingness to speak out with Sheeran’s refusal to take a public position.</p><p>Macklemore himself criticized Sheeran’s stance but indicated that their friendship was not necessarily over. He argued that Sheeran could not move beyond his public position of "not taking sides," stating that refusing to choose a side in an unequal conflict does not equate to neutrality.</p><p>The fallout has affected Sheeran’s touring lineup, with artists such as Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Irish folk band Beoga announcing their withdrawal from upcoming dates in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas stated that artists should not be silenced when speaking for oppressed people, while Rowe condemned the use of wealth and venue power to suppress pro-Palestinian voices.</p><p>Macklemore, after calling to "Free Palestine" during his performances, was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour. The concert promoter for Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour stated that they were notified by venues that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour.</p><p>Macklemore expressed that he did not need multiple shows from Sheeran but valued the opportunity to speak out for Palestine. He stated, "If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on."</p>