Roger Waters has publicly blasted Ed Sheeran in a profanity-laced Instagram video, calling the pop star a “little p***k” over his handling of Macklemore’s removal from the Loop tour.
The Pink Floyd co-founder, 81, shared his message on the platform last week as backlash mounted against Sheeran, 34, following the exodus of every opening act from his North American run. Singers Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Sheeran’s own backing band Beoga, and Danish pop group Lukas Graham each withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore after the rapper was forced off the tour.
Messina Touring Group, the tour’s promoter, stated that some venues had refused to let Macklemore perform following remarks he made supporting Palestine during a recent gig. The rapper’s “Free Palestine” comments prompted the venues to threaten show cancellations if he remained on the bill.
Sheeran addressed the controversy in a statement explaining his position on political expression. “I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated,” he said.
The “Shape of You” singer continued: “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds.”
Sheeran added that the venue decisions came after Macklemore’s performances at his New Jersey shows. “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” he wrote. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.”
The British star maintained that removing Macklemore was not his choice. “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge,” he said. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
Waters was not persuaded by Sheeran’s explanation. His Instagram video opened with a dismissive “Ed who?” before launching into a direct attack.
“Hey, its just a little message for Ed Sheeran,” Waters said in the clip. “There’s two kinds of people in this world, Ed. There’s people who do the right thing – that rapper Macklemore would be one of those people.”
Waters continued: “And there’s people, many of them, sadly… Little f…excuse me, I nearly used the f word then. P***ks like you who do the wrong thing. Goodbye.”
The “Another Brick in the Wall” singer has been an outspoken critic of Israel for years and has faced his own controversies over alleged antisemitic remarks, which he has denied.
Sheeran’s stance has drawn criticism from multiple entertainment figures. Hacks star Hannah Einbinder publicly wished that Sheeran “gets a REALLY bad sun burn” in response to his statement.
The Loop tour, which supports Sheeran’s latest album, continues to face uncertainty as it proceeds without any of its originally announced support acts.