Ed Sheeran distanced himself from the decision to drop Macklemore from his U.S. tour following pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium. Sheeran stated the cancellation was the promoter’s call, while three supporting acts subsequently withdrew in solidarity as Robert Kraft and the Israeli-American Council weighed in on the controversy.
Ed Sheeran is speaking out after Macklemore was dropped from his U.S. tour following political statements made on stage earlier this month.
The controversy ignited after Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on August 30, 2026, where the rapper accused Israel of genocide, broadcast images from Gaza, and led crowds in chanting Free Palestine
. The fallout quickly expanded beyond a single concert, drawing ultimatums from venue owners, statements from prominent music promoters, and an exodus of supporting acts who pulled out of the remaining tour dates.
Ed Sheeran Denies Responsibility as Venues Issue Ultimatums
In a social media statement released on Tuesday, Sheeran addressed the removal of his tourmate directly. Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,
Sheeran wrote on Instagram, adding that Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.
The British singer-songwriter explained that after his New Jersey performances, upcoming venues communicated that they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup. Sheeran noted that he was informed the venues’ stance stemmed from how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.
According to direct talks with promoters and activists, Sheeran attempted to find a mutual resolution. He spoke with several venue owners, including Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Sheeran was scheduled to perform later in the month. Ultimately, however, the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final,
Sheeran stated.
The tour’s U.S. promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed the logistical pressures in a statement. As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans,
the group stated.
Macklemore Defends Platform While Kraft and Advocacy Groups Respond
Macklemore pushed back against the decision in his own public statement, noting that while he and Sheeran were friends, our friendship can’t change my responsibility to tell the truth about what happened.
The rapper asserted that Sheeran’s typical apolitical stance was challenged when Kraft rallied other venue owners and threatened to block the shows. Macklemore also defended his stage commentary against accusations of antisemitism. To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you,
he said during his performance of the song Hind’s Hall,
which features clips from Gaza and U.S. student protests.
Kraft offered a different perspective on the fallout, stating that Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium performance has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Meanwhile, the Israeli-American Council criticized Sheeran for giving a platform to the messaging, stating that this crosses the line between legitimate political criticism and antisemitism.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Finneas Withdraw From the Tour
Hours after Sheeran released his statement, the tour experienced further upheaval when three additional supporting acts—Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Finneas—announced they were leaving the tour in solidarity.
All three acts posted pro-Palestinian solidarity statements to social media. Aaron Rowe pointed to historical context in his announcement, writing that as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,
and adding that he could not stand by while billionaires use their power to silence voices speaking up against Israeli military actions.
The Irish folk band Beoga issued an even sharper critique, pointing directly at the financial influence of venue stakeholders. It’s important that everyone knows that the real enemy is the zionist lobby,
the band wrote, encouraging followers to research Robert Kraft’s efforts against the BDS movement. Finneas released a shorter statement emphasizing that artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,
affirming that he stands with Palestine.
Sheeran Explains His Apolitical Stance Amid Wider Tour Fallout
In his statement, Sheeran clarified why he maintains a strict boundary regarding political commentary during his performances. There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum,
he wrote.
I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.
Ed Sheeran, Musician
Macklemore, who had been scheduled to play eight additional shows alongside Sheeran, expressed frustration over the cut short run. I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say,
Macklemore wrote.
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