Jeremy Clarkson Calls Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran Attacks “Bullying

Jeremy Clarkson Defends Sheeran Amid Tour Boycotts

British television personality Jeremy Clarkson has rushed to Ed Sheeran’s defense, labeling the mounting attacks against the singer as “mobbing.” Writing in his column for the British newspaper The Sun, Clarkson stated that he has always found Sheeran to be “unglaublich höflich und sympathisch” (incredibly polite and likeable). According to Clarkson’s column, the backlash escalated quickly as fans attempted to offload tickets, support acts abandoned the tour, and reports surfaced that even Sheeran’s own band members questioned participating.

Clarkson reserved his harshest criticism for Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, who had previously attacked Sheeran publicly. Clarkson called Waters the “schlimmsten Mobber von allen” (the worst bully of all), questioning how critics could protest Sheeran’s stance when the pop star had not even publicly stated a personal position on the Middle East conflict.

Support Acts Withdraw and Radio Stations Pull Music

The fallout from Macklemore’s removal extended far beyond a single lineup change. Multiple support acts pulled out of Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with the US rapper. Additionally, an Irish radio station removed Sheeran’s catalog from rotation in response to the controversy. Singer Paloma Faith also joined the chorus of critics, telling media outlets that “unpolitical to be, is a political act,” while noting that Sheeran had previously performed at a benefit concert for Ukraine.

Ed Sheeran’s Instagram Response to Critics

Amid mounting pressure, Sheeran addressed the controversy directly via an Instagram post. The 35-year-old singer stated that he is not “mitschuldig” (complicit) and maintained that he does possess personal views on the conflict. According to his statement, choosing not to voice those opinions publicly does not mean he lacks an opinion or cares little about human suffering. Sheeran described the conflict between Israel and Palestine as shocking, calling the loss of life on both sides a human tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour?

Macklemore was removed from the tour following a performance where he shouted “Free Palestine.” Reports indicate that stadium owner Robert Kraft, an outspoken supporter of Israel, pushed for the rapper’s removal.

How has Ed Sheeran responded to the backlash?

Sheeran posted a statement on Instagram denying complicity, explaining that keeping his personal views private does not mean he lacks an opinion, and calling the human suffering on both sides of the conflict a tragedy.

Who has defended Ed Sheeran during this controversy?

Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson wrote a column in The Sun defending Sheeran, characterizing the severe public backlash and tour boycotts as bullying.