Ms Rachel Criticizes Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Tour Removal

Children's entertainer Ms Rachel has intensified her criticism of singer Ed Sheeran, accusing him of a double standard for supporting Ukraine while remaining silent on the conflict in Gaza. The controversy stems from the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's US tour after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. Ms Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Anne Accurso, posted on Instagram that Sheeran's 2022 Concert for Ukraine, which raised over £13.4 million, contrasted sharply with his current stance. "Imagine being a Palestinian kid and seeing he did a concert for Ukraine but when over 20,000 Palestinian children are killed hes silent," she wrote. She added that "silence during a genocide is not neutral" and accused Sheeran of caving to pressure. Sheeran stated that Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his own. He said venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. "I am not complicit," Sheeran said, adding that he respects Macklemore's right to speak publicly but does not want his concerts to become political forums.