Ms Rachel and Greta Thunberg speak out as Ed Sheeran tour row grows

Greta Thunberg accused Ed Sheeran of a “lack of spine”, while Ms Rachel urged people to focus on children suffering in Gaza, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the growing fallout over Macklemore.

Ed Sheeran is facing mounting criticism from climate activist Greta Thunberg and children’s educator Ms Rachel following the explosive fallout over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s US tour.

Thunberg accused Sheeran of having a “lack of spine”, while Ms Rachel called for greater attention to children and people suffering in the Gaza genocide.

The backlash comes after Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making outspoken pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

He said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and venues, rather than by him personally.

The dispute has since grown into a wider debate about the responsibility of artists with large platforms to speak out about the genocide in Gaza and other humanitarian crises.

Thunberg has now entered the row, saying Sheeran should be held accountable over his handling of the controversy.

“ Ed Sheeran should be held accountable for his lack of spine,” Thunberg said.

She argued that people with significant public platforms and access to resources have a greater responsibility to act.

“The bigger your platform and your access to resources, the bigger your responsibility,” she said.

Thunberg also called on people to move beyond statements and support measures including boycotts, sanctions and divestment.

Her comments came as Sheeran attempted to explain his position on the genocide in Gaza and the controversy surrounding Macklemore.

Sheeran has said he is “appalled” by the suffering caused by the Israel-Palestine conflict and described it as a human tragedy.

He has also said he does not want his concerts to become political platforms, while maintaining that his decision to keep his shows focused on music should not be interpreted as indifference to the suffering of civilians.