Myles Smith supports Palestinian freedom while defending Ed Sheeran
Myles SmithBritish singer-songwriter and former Ed Sheeran tour support act
Myles Smith said Palestinians were the victims while also saying Ed Sheeran was not the perpetrator, pairing support for Palestinian freedom with a defense of Sheeran.
“Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let’s not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator.”
Original post
Where this statement fits
Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
At two Ed Sheeran concerts at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore called for a free Palestine, accused Israel of apartheid and genocide, and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people. After venue objections, tour promoter Messina Touring Group said he would not perform the remaining U.S. Loop Tour dates. Critics characterized the performance as hostile or inappropriate; Macklemore defended it as a call for equal treatment.
Source and context
Original post
About this source
Original Instagram post by Myles Smith explaining his support for Palestinian life and freedom while defending Ed Sheeran from being characterized as a perpetrator.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Smith addressed online debate following Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium speech and the surrounding tour controversy.
After the quotation
Smith said support for Palestinian life, safety, and freedom did not require betraying someone he regarded as a good human being.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The statement supports the Palestinian perspective associated with Macklemore’s advocacy while rejecting a characterization of Sheeran as a perpetrator.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Macklemore, Ed Sheeran
More from this case
Read the full caseMacklemore says the "billionaire class" should not decide "which voices are allowed on stage"
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention. So we're going on tour. All proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.”Read statement
Jewish Voice for Peace says the backlash to Macklemore's removal shows support for pro-Palestine speech
Jewish Voice for Peace
“Two years into Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine organizing, the backlash against Sheeran shows how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech. It also demonstrates the shift toward support for Palestinian rights among everyday Americans that our movements have helped propel.”Read statement
Macklemore announces "Free Palestine Tour" after removal from U.S. dates
“To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Myles Smith supports Palestinian freedom while defending Ed Sheeran". First published: 2026-09-19. Last updated: 2026-09-19. https://disputeindex.com/events/1113-myles-smith-said-palestinians-were-the-victims-while