The fallout from Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour has reached New Zealand, with “Free Palestine” spray-painted across a mural of the British superstar in Dunedin.
The mural, painted by Dunedin artist Tyler Kennedy Stent, was defaced on Thursday as the controversy surrounding Sheeran’s Loop Tour continued to escalate.
The mural was painted for Sheeran’s three Dunedin concerts in 2018, which drew 108,000 people. The $8350 artwork became a popular selfie spot – including for Sheeran himself – and survived plans to redevelop the street, with the building’s owner confirming in 2024 it would remain.
It comes after every one of Sheeran’s scheduled opening acts walked away from the tour following Macklemore’s removal, while Irish band Beoga also quit as Sheeran’s touring band.
Macklemore said on Tuesday that Sheeran had been given an ultimatum following his pro-Palestine performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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Macklemore said on Tuesday that Sheeran had been given an ultimatum following his pro-Palestine performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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