Sharon Osbourne has delivered a brutally short verdict on Macklemore as controversy continues over the rapper’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
The former X Factor judge appeared to weigh into the growing dispute on Instagram, responding to a post about Macklemore with just two words:
“Boring twat.”
The comment was reported by Far Out Magazine and The Express Tribune, as the fallout surrounding Macklemore and Sheeran continues to grow.
Osbourne did not offer a lengthy explanation for the remark, but her comment adds another famous name to a story that has rapidly developed beyond Macklemore’s original performance.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour?
Macklemore had been supporting Sheeran on the North American leg of his Loop Tour when he used performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to speak publicly about Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The rapper told the audience that part of his reason for joining the tour was to be able to stand inside stadiums and say: “Free Palestine.”
According to Reuters, Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining US dates after venues told tour promoter Messina Touring Group that they would not host concerts if he remained on the lineup.
One of the most prominent figures involved in the dispute was Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium.
Kraft confirmed that he opposed Macklemore appearing at Gillette Stadium.
As reported by the Associated Press, Kraft pointed to what he described as Macklemore’s history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, alongside his more recent actions.
Macklemore disputes accusations that his support for Palestinians is antisemitic and has argued that criticism of Israel should not be treated as criticism of Jewish people.
Ed Sheeran Responds
Macklemore’s removal initially resulted in significant criticism being directed towards Ed Sheeran, but Sheeran has since insisted that the decision was not his.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in a statement reported by Reuters.
Sheeran said he had spent days attempting to find a solution after venues made clear they were unwilling to proceed with Macklemore on the bill.
He explained that Macklemore’s touring agreement was with the promoter rather than with Sheeran personally and said the decision was ultimately outside his control.
Sheeran also defended his decision to continue the tour, pointing towards the fans, musicians, crew and other workers whose livelihoods are connected to the concerts.
Macklemore Stands By His Position
Macklemore has shown no indication that he intends to back away from his position.
In his response to being removed from the tour, the rapper acknowledged that Sheeran had been placed in a difficult situation and spoke about their personal relationship.
According to Pitchfork, Macklemore described Sheeran as a friend and “brother” while discussing the conversations they had behind the scenes.
However, Macklemore maintained that speaking publicly about Palestinians was more important to him than remaining on the tour.
The rapper has increasingly used his music and performances to advocate for Palestinians in recent years.
In 2024, he released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song named after Hind Rajab, the Palestinian child killed during the war in Gaza.
He performed the song during his appearances with Sheeran at MetLife Stadium.
Other Artists Withdraw From The Tour
The controversy became significantly bigger after Macklemore’s removal when several other artists announced they would no longer appear on Sheeran’s tour.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga have all withdrawn from scheduled appearances.
The Associated Press reported that the artists announced their decisions following Macklemore’s removal, with several explicitly expressing support for Palestinians and opposition to artists being silenced for speaking publicly about the issue.
Finneas, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist and producer, said:
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Irish singer Aaron Rowe also withdrew despite describing Sheeran as a friend and acknowledging the enormous impact Sheeran has had on his career.
Irish group Beoga, who have worked closely with Sheeran and contributed to “Galway Girl,” also pulled out.
Danish band Lukas Graham followed.
The withdrawals have transformed what began as a dispute surrounding one support artist into a much wider controversy around the Loop Tour.
Sharon Osbourne Enters The Conversation
It was against this backdrop that Sharon Osbourne made her own feelings about Macklemore clear.
Rather than publishing a lengthy statement about the political arguments surrounding the controversy, Osbourne appeared to leave her verdict in the comments of an Instagram post discussing the rapper.
Her contribution was simply:
“Boring twat.”
The comment quickly attracted attention because of both its bluntness and Osbourne’s long history within the music industry.
Osbourne spent decades managing the career of her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne, while also becoming a major television personality through programmes including The Osbournes and The X Factor.
Her comment does not explain whether she was criticising Macklemore specifically over his position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, his comments about the tour dispute, or simply Macklemore himself.
For that reason, it would be misleading to attach a more detailed political position to Osbourne’s two-word response than she actually expressed in the comment itself.
What is clear is that she was not complimentary.
A Controversy That Keeps Growing
The dispute surrounding Sheeran’s Loop Tour has now moved far beyond the original comments made on stage.
Macklemore remains committed to his advocacy for Palestinians.
Sheeran says removing him was not his decision and that he attempted to resolve the disagreement between the different parties involved.
Venue owner Robert Kraft has defended his position, arguing that Macklemore’s past rhetoric and imagery, alongside his recent actions, justified preventing him from performing at Gillette Stadium.
Several musicians have responded by withdrawing from Sheeran’s tour.
And now Sharon Osbourne has entered the conversation with perhaps the shortest reaction of them all.
“Boring twat.”
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