The Weekly Blast: Ed Sheeran & Macklemore Controversy & More

This week, politics and entertainment coincided once again as headlines about Macklemore and Ed Sheeran dominated the pop culture world, raising even more questions about artists taking a public stance on political issues and the right to Freedom of Speech. While this is not the first, or last, time that debate will spill over into the public forum, the Emmys surprised many on Monday by being more apolitical than usual. And, of course, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to create controversy wherever they go.

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Things started earlier this week when Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour following a Free Palestine speech. The rapper received an outpouring of support, including from some of Sheeran’s closest friends.

All of his opening acts and Sheeran’s backing band dropped out of the concert, leading Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft to match Sheeran’s $2 million donation for humanitarian relief efforts in the region. 

Even so, that hasn’t stopped celebrities like Hannah Einbinder and Liam Cunningham from calling out the “Shape of You” singer. Sheeran’s music has also been pulled from the radio following the controversy.

Although the tour is supposed to continue as scheduled, The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z have been calling on supporters to gather outside Lincoln Financial Field on September 19. Macklemore, meanwhile, has turned to his family for support.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Aren’t Having An Easy Time With Their UK Move

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It has been a very long week for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! One insider claimed that Prince Harry is “just as angry” with the Royal Family as he was when he left and still “expects an apology.” Another source said that the feud between Prince Harry and Prince William has become a “very, very cold war.” Prince William is reportedly “extremely worried” about Harry’s sudden return to the UK and “wants no relationship” with his brother.

Things haven’t been smooth sailing for their children, either. Harry and Meghan had to pull their kids from school just as the term began. Former police chiefs were reportedly left stunned by the school drama, while Meghan Markle’s phone number leak sparked mixed reactions from fans.

That seemed to be the final straw for Prince William, who decided to “wash his hands of” Harry and Meghan in order to “protect” his own family. William has seemed to find common ground with King Charles when it comes to one matter concerning Harry, while the ex-Head of Royal Protection slammed Harry’s “arrogance.”

There were accusations that the school drama was a “twisted stunt” to regain royal security privileges, but Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are officially back in school, according to Harry. That being said, the Royal Family is still cautious about the couple’s true “motives” for returning to the UK.

Princess Diana’s Brother Creates Headlines Over Memoir

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Princess Diana has been making headlines almost 30 years after her heartbreaking passing. Her brother Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, is releasing a memoir about his late sister, and it seems King Charles is not too happy with some of the accusations that he has made in his tell-all book.

King Charles issued a scathing response to Princess Diana’s brother over some of the more salacious claims made in the memoir, while the 9th Earl Spencer has faced backlash about “hypocrisy” amid the book’s release.

In one key moment in the book, King Charles allegedly had a shocking reaction when he learned that Princess Diana had passed away. The book also claims that Queen Elizabeth offered to restore Princess Diana’s HRH title on the day she was laid to rest, but he declined, calling it a “consolation prize.”

Lindsay Clancy’s Ex-Husband Speaks Out

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Patrick Clancy, the husband of Lindsay Clancy, is speaking out following her mistrial. In a new interview, Patrick revealed that he continued speaking to his three children after their death. Meanwhile, Patrick’s new wife has spoken publicly about the “twisted” story regarding their romance. Amanda Knox has also spoken out, saying that she can “relate” to Patrick’s story.

The jurors involved in Clancy’s mistrial have also been making headlines. The one holdout juror claimed that other jurors have lied about what happened in the courtroom. Support has been piling up for the unnamed man; a fundraiser for the holdout juror has surpassed its $100K goal.