Ed Sheeran branded ‘coward’ as treasure trove of receipts resurfaces after response to Macklemore

The ongoing concert drama involving Ed Sheeran and Macklemore is not slowing down, and people have now taken issue with his rather lengthy – and rather pointless – response. 

After Macklemore essentially “ended” the British singer in a lengthy statement about why he can’t stay silent on the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Ed Sheeran lost thousands of followers and the respect of a lot of fans. He responded, but made it significantly worse. The entire statement was a wishy-washy PR nightmare, but there was one line in particular that people really felt incensed by. 

On why he is apparently apolitical, he said: “My audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”

Ed Sheeran speaks out after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for speaking out for Palestine:

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I… pic.twitter.com/MYNuUZwQ7A

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 15, 2026

People were angry for several reasons, the first being Ed Sheeran’s understanding of what young people should listen to. This is the same man who sings to said young people about sex and drugs, but apparently draws the line at human rights violations? At the same time, people referenced Ms Rachel, whose audience is only kids. She’s made the ongoing issues in Palestine a major part of her brand, so the “do not expect a political forum” comments just didn’t stand up. 

But there’s also another issue with Ed’s statement: The claim that he stays outside of the political sphere. 

Ed Sheeran has a long history of being political… when he wants to 

Centrists, and the people who just don’t get involved with politics, are some of the most frustrating people on the planet, especially when they’re white, straight, stupidly rich, and famous. Like, of course, they can be apolitical when the vast majority of political causes don’t directly affect them. 

We ❤️ this so much.

Former hostage Noa Argamani met Ed Sheeran and Post Malone via @scooterbraun who made the introduction.

Noa you deserve all the happiness in the world. pic.twitter.com/BjJEoDyPUB

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) September 30, 2024

Still, we’re supposed to respect everybody’s opinions, so if you really don’t get involved in politics, then it is what it is. However, in the case of Ed Sheeran, it just isn’t reality. 

Most Read

Celebrities are calling out Ariana Grande’s team for ‘absolutely appalling’ petal music video

The internet never forgets: The biggest male celeb nude leaks ever, and how they responded

Love Island’s over, so here’s every 2026 couple’s relationship status and who’s already split

Now, people online have shared the many, many, many instances where Ed Sheeran’s apolitical stance was not in the room with him. It must have been on annual leave. 

There are almost too many to count, but he was involved in a concert for Ukraine, rallied against Brexit with other celebs, shared a love of Jeremy Corbyn, and urged Congress to pass the Equality Act. But that’s not political, right? 

But it goes even further than that, because Ed also dedicated songs to Ukraine at concerts, waved Ukrainian flags as he was performing, and waved a Pride flag. The cherry on top was a resurfaced picture of Ed Sheeran doing a meet-and-greet with one of the Israeli hostages from October 7. 

Now, that isn’t to say that Ed Sheeran shouldn’t be praised for supporting worthwhile ventures, and he was at the time of those instances. However, to cherry-pick causes and then claim you’re apolitical is just complete and utter rubbish, people said on Twitter. 

Ed Sheeran said in his statement:
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics.

My audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”

Also Ed Sheeran: 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/Y2wGy1SpmF

— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) September 15, 2026

One person wrote: “His excuse for not using his platform for politics due to his young audience is meaningless when one of the most visible pro-Palestinian voices is Ms. Rachel.”

“Oh no, the absolute horror of kids in an audience hearing about what is happening in Gaza! You’re right Ed, that is SO much worse than kids getting bombed daily,” another said. 

“But when it’s for supporting Ukraine, your audience is no longer about children ???” someone else questioned. 

His three supporting acts have since dropped out of the concerts. 

For more, like The Tab on Facebook.

Featured image credit:  Kyle Stevens/Shutterstock and Twitter