Grammy-winning artist Macklemore announced on Monday that he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US stadium tour following his public expressions of support for Palestine. The decision comes after the rapper delivered “Free Palestine” remarks during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In an Instagram post, Macklemore stated that he and Sheeran had engaged in “difficult conversations” over the past week regarding the situation. Messina Touring Group, the promoter responsible for the US leg of the Loop Tour, confirmed the change to Rolling Stone, explaining that venue owners had informed them they would not permit concerts to proceed if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” the group said. Sheeran has not yet issued a comment. According to Variety, Macklemore was scheduled to appear at eight of the ten remaining shows on the tour, which resumes on September 19 in Philadelphia.
The removal follows a petition launched by the Israeli-American Council urging Sheeran to drop the rapper. Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft mobilized other stadium owners to oppose his participation. In a statement to US media, Kraft defended his actions, saying he dedicates much of his time to combating hate and antisemitism and felt a responsibility to intervene when he believes a line has been crossed.
Macklemore, a long-time critic of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank, denied accusations of antisemitism. He argued that equating criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism serves to shield Israel from accountability. The artist previously released the protest song “Hind’s Hall” in 2024, commemorating Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli troops in Gaza.
During his recent performance, Macklemore emphasized that his presence on the tour was intended to amplify the message of solidarity with Palestinians. “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine,'” he said. “I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
Macklemore’s right—criticizing policy isn’t antisemitism. Silencing voices sets a dangerous tone.
Is this really about hate, or just pressure from powerful stakeholders? Questionable precedents here.
So sad. Art and politics shouldn’t force artists to choose sides like this.