Notable Quotable From Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour

American rapper Macklemore was forced off Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour on Monday for expressing solidarity with the people living in Gaza and the West Bank, and singing "Hind's Hall," a protest song about pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia University.

How did this happen? According to the artist, New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, pressured Ed Sheeran to drop him from the tour, or he and other stadium owners would not allow Sheeran to play at their stadiums.

When billionaires are given the power to fire an artist for performing a protest song, we can no longer claim to be the free nation we once were.

The blowback came quickly with Sheeran's three opening performers dropping out in protest. Their words merit our attention.

Danish pop artist Lukas Graham's response:
”It's hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love. We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them. Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge.”

Finneas' response on Instagram:
”Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe's response on Instagram:
“I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage. As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”