On Neutrality
Macklemore just exposed Ed Sheeran for the spineless coward that he is, though not explicitly.
Ed just showed the world that in the face of an important decision, to make a stand against people who are pro-genocide, he would rather just bow to their whims. This, as well as throw away a 13-year friendship.
That is a man with no values besides cashing in the check.
You can't say that artists can't be political when the owners of the stadium can just kick an artist out when said artist doesn't agree with their POV. That act itself is political.
It goes both ways. If you think artists should stick to music, then tell these rich, pro-genocide landowners to stick to making sure the concert venue is operational.
Ed's decision is not "impartial". It is siding with the oppressor. You don't get to earn money using a pro-oppressor's arena, allow the silencing of a fellow artist mid-tour, and get to wash your hands clean.
Remember that this guy is a multimillionaire. He is the headliner. If he had a spine or any shred of integrity or loyalty to Macklemore, he could easily find another solution to still perform for his fans. He can find a way to perform how and where he wants to.
But his decision was the easy way out. Bending the knee to genocide supporters and kicking out one artist is much better than inconveniencing himself.
If saying "Free Palestine" is already hate speech, what do you call the actual genocide happening right now?
Update:
It seems that a lot of front-acts and even Ed's supporting band have dropped out of the tour. Funny how these people have more integrity than the main attraction. I guess "Impartial Ed" better find some pro-genocide artists to open for him quick.