Ed Sheeran's Old Photo With Former Israeli Hostage Resurfaces Amid Macklemore Tour Fallout

Ed Sheeran is facing renewed scrutiny over his political views after an old photograph showing him with former Israeli hostage Noa Argamani resurfaced online during the fallout from Macklemore's removal from his North American tour.

The photograph, taken at the Global Citizen Festival in New York in September 2024, shows Sheeran and Post Malone meeting Argamani after she was rescued from captivity in Gaza. The image has been shared again as Sheeran faces criticism over his decision to continue the tour after Macklemore was removed from eight remaining dates.

Sheeran has said he was 'appalled' by the conflict between Israel and Palestine but has chosen to keep his personal political views private. Four supporting acts, including Sheeran's backing band, have since withdrawn from the tour following Macklemore's removal.

Sheeran Photo With Noa Argamani Resurfaces

The photograph was taken at the Global Citizen Festival, where music executive Scooter Braun introduced Argamani to Sheeran and Post Malone. Braun also shared images and videos from the meeting.

Argamani was abducted during the 7 October 2023 attacks and rescued from captivity in Gaza by Israeli forces in June 2024. The official State of Israel Instagram account shared the photograph at the time, saying Braun had introduced her to the musicians.

The image has since been recirculated as social media users debate Sheeran's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, it contains no political statement from the singer, who has not linked the meeting to his current views.

Sheeran Says Promoter Made Macklemore Decision

The renewed attention follows Macklemore's removal from eight remaining dates on Sheeran's North American tour after pro-Palestinian comments during performances at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on 4 and 5 September.

Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter and stadium owners after venues objected to Macklemore remaining on the bill. Messina Touring Group, which promoted the US leg, said venues had told it concerts would not take place with the rapper in the line-up.

Macklemore called for a 'Free Palestine' and performed his protest song 'Hind's Hall' at MetLife. His remarks prompted calls for his removal, including a petition launched by the Israeli American Council.

Defending his decision to continue the tour, Sheeran said he did not want fans, crew members or other musicians to lose their planned performances and work. He described himself as 'appalled' by the Israel-Palestine conflict and said he wanted his music to bring people from different backgrounds together.

Sheeran also stressed that choosing not to speak publicly did not mean he lacked personal views or did not care, saying he was 'not complicit'.

Four Supporting Acts Withdraw

The dispute has also prompted all four remaining supporting acts to withdraw from the tour. Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, singer-songwriter Finneas and Irish folk group Beoga all announced departures.

Rowe and Lukas Graham had been scheduled to replace Macklemore on remaining US dates, while Finneas was due to join Sheeran for South American shows. Beoga, meanwhile, had been performing as part of Sheeran's touring band.

Macklemore had previously described Sheeran's approach as traditionally apolitical and said the dispute was challenging that stance. Sheeran has said he prefers to use his platform to bring people together and keep conversations open.