From Radio NZ…
A mural of singer Ed Sheeran in Dunedin has been vandalised with the words “Free Palestine” following backlash against the singer and his upcoming tour.
The Bath Street mural of the British singer was created in 2018 by artist Tyler Kennedy Stent before Sheeran played three shows at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Controversy has surrounded Sheeran this week after rapper Macklemore was removed from his tour for making pro-Palestinian comments while performing.
Since then, other supporting acts announced they had also quit the tour in support.
While opening for Sheeran earlier this month at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine!” and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten”.
Read more on the story on Radio NZ HERE. Or read Stuff’s story HERE.
Both Radio NZ and Stuff have subsequently reported HERE and HERE that the artist behind the Ed Sheeran mural says the spray-painted message of “free Palestine” is “a welcome addition to the mural”.
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Editor’s note: New Zealand media’s reporting on the controversy has barely, if at all touched on the broader context surrounding it. To balance that out a bit here’s some extra information…
Read about the Israeli American Council’s petition in response to Macklemore’s performances on The Jerusalem Post HERE, and the JTA HERE. And read the IAC’s call to action post HERE.
Read about Robert Kraft’s barring of Macklemore from his stadium on the JTA HERE. And read Kraft’s statement on his decision HERE.
Read more about Macklemore and the accusations of antisemitism that have surrounded him for years on the JTA HERE.
Jewish singer Pink was also caught up in the controversy after slamming Macklemore’s pro-Palestine performances. Her response generated a backlash, and she made a lengthy statement in response. Read more about it on Variety HERE.
