Taylor Swift’s hitmaker scolds Ed Sheeran, ‘stand the f--- up’ after Macklemore fallout

Jack Antonoff criticized Ed Sheeran for removing Macklemore from his tour due to the rapper’s pro-Palestine statements, viewing it as a failure to challenge billionaire interests. Antonoff suggested Sheeran should have canceled the tour and performed for free, using it as an opportunity to raise money and defy pressure. Other artists and film critic Christian Toto weighed in, with Toto arguing Antonoff’s comments were an attempt to gain industry favor rather than a genuine concern for free speech.

• Jack Antonoff criticized Ed Sheeran for removing Macklemore from his tour after the rapper made remarks supporting Palestine.
• Antonoff felt Sheeran missed a significant opportunity to challenge billionaire influence and support free speech.
• He suggested Sheeran should have canceled the tour and performed free concerts outside venues.
• Robert Kraft, an NFL owner, reportedly threatened to bar Sheeran’s performances if Macklemore was included.
• Sheeran stated that events in Israel and Gaza were horrific and unjustifiable.
• Several other artists withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
• Christian Toto criticized Antonoff’s remarks, suggesting they were an attempt to curry favor within his industry.