Ed Sheeran 'Was Set Up' as Macklemore Prepares for His 'Free Palestine' Tour, Eve Barlow Claims

Ed Sheeran has been drawn into renewed debate over music and political expression after rapper Macklemore announced his 'Free Palestine' tour on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Journalist Eve Barlow claimed on X that Sheeran had been 'set up' by the timing of the announcement, following an earlier dispute involving Macklemore's removal from the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour.

Barlow's claim has not been independently verified. Neither Macklemore nor Sheeran has publicly confirmed that the tour announcement was connected to any attempt to target Sheeran.

The discussion has reignited debate about the relationship between artists, political statements and live performances, particularly after Macklemore announced a series of benefit concerts linked to humanitarian support for Palestinians.

Ed Sheeran Tour Debate Follows Macklemore's Free Palestine Announcement

Macklemore announced his three-date 'Free Palestine' tour through Instagram on Thursday, with planned performances in Dublin, Paris and London. According to organisers, proceeds from the concerts will go towards organisations providing humanitarian, medical and other support for Palestinians.

Following the announcement, Barlow reposted the tour poster on X and questioned whether the shows could have been organised within such a short period.

'Sheeran was set up. You can't organise a tour this big in less than a week,' Barlow wrote.

Her comment was an interpretation of the timing of the announcement rather than evidence that Sheeran had been deliberately targeted. No public evidence has established that Macklemore's tour was planned as part of an effort against Sheeran.

The claim followed an earlier dispute involving Macklemore's appearances as an opening act on Sheeran's Loop Tour. Macklemore had made pro-Palestinian comments during performances, and he was later removed from the remaining US dates after venues raised concerns about his participation. Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter after venues indicated they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill.

In his announcement for the new tour, Macklemore argued that artists should use their platforms to address political issues. He wrote that 'being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore,' referring to his view of the Israel-Gaza conflict and arguing that musicians should engage with global issues.

The rapper also criticised the idea that musicians should avoid political discussions.

'Fk the fact that musicians shouldn't be involved in politics. Fk that shit. Politics is life,' Macklemore wrote.

The comments reflected Macklemore's stated position that performers should not separate their work from wider social and political issues.

Music, Activism and Public Reaction

The controversy has highlighted a wider debate over the role of artists in political conversations. Supporters of musician activism argue that performers can use their platforms to raise awareness about global issues, while critics have questioned whether concerts and entertainment spaces should be used for political messaging.

Other musicians have also publicly expressed views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Charlotte Church, for example, has previously spoken in support of Palestinians and participated in demonstrations connected to the issue.

The debate surrounding Macklemore's announcement has also brought renewed attention to Sheeran's approach to political issues connected to his performances. Sheeran has previously addressed the dispute surrounding Macklemore's removal from his tour, saying he respected Macklemore as an artist and describing the situation as a difficult decision involving venues and promoters.

Sheeran has not publicly responded to Barlow's claim that he was 'set up' or suggested that Macklemore's tour announcement was connected to his own performances.

For Macklemore, the 'Free Palestine' shows represent another public statement from an artist who has used his platform to discuss Palestinian issues and humanitarian concerns. The announced concerts in Dublin, Paris and London are expected to continue the debate over how musicians engage with political topics.

The confirmed details remain limited to Macklemore's tour announcement, his public comments and Barlow's interpretation of the timing. Claims that Sheeran was deliberately targeted have not been confirmed.

The dispute continues to centre on competing views about the role of musicians in public discussions, with the latest controversy reflecting broader questions about celebrity influence, political expression and the responsibilities of artists with international audiences.