Michael Levine says Macklemore turned Ed Sheeran's concert into a political rally
Public-relations executive giving a statement to a newspaper
“Macklemore turned Ed Sheeran's concert into a political rally. Apparently, the one thing the crowd wanted freed was the stage.”
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
News report on Macklemore's removal from the tour. Levine's remarks are given to the Post directly as a statement; the article describes him as a media expert and Michael Jackson's former publicist.
Before the quotation
The New York Post reported that Macklemore had been removed from the remaining Loop Tour support dates after venues objected. Levine was quoted in that report as praising the decision.
After the quotation
Levine added that stadium shows are not an appropriate venue for complex conflicts, saying that if Macklemore wanted to open with "Free Palestine" he might try finishing with "Free the hostages."
How this statement is classified
Case context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Levine criticises the MetLife performance itself and endorses the removal that followed, taking a position against the conduct under scrutiny.
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Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“Glad to see Macklemore off Ed Sheeran’s tour. For years, Macklemore has pushed antisemitic tropes and demonized Israel and Israelis. Now he certainly has the 1A right to speak out and express his views, but demonizing Jews and Israelis shouldn’t be rewarded.”Read statement
“When your only response to dissent is to use power and wealth to make it go away, you are going to have the opposite effect. People can see what’s happening in the Middle East with their eyes and don’t want to be told what they’re allowed to think by people who own stadiums.”Read statement
“So proud of Aaron. A brave and selfless act to stand with Palestine & humanity against Israel’s barbarism and the billionaires that support their crimes. Aaron you have upheld Ireland’s noble tradition of resistance to colonialism & Empire. So proud!”Read statement