Roger Waters Criticizes Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore’s Removal from Tour

Roger Waters used an Instagram post on Tuesday to denounce Ed Sheeran, calling the pop star a “little prick” after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. Waters said the rapper Macklemore “would be one of those people who do the right thing” and contrasted him with “people… like you who do the wrong thing.”

Macklemore had been dismissed from the tour after venues for upcoming dates told the promoter that his on-stage remarks supporting Palestinians in Gaza would bar the concerts from proceeding. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, said the decision was required to avoid cancellations that would affect “hundreds of thousands of fans.”

Following the removal, several other opening acts—including Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe—announced they were pulling out in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas wrote on Instagram that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

Sheeran issued a statement saying he had tried to negotiate a resolution with promoters and activists, but the venue owners’ decision was final. He also cited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s refusal to allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium as part of the broader pressure.

Macklemore later said he was told by Sheeran that Kraft had coordinated with other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum that his presence on the tour would bar Sheeran from playing those venues.