Rapper Macklemore was excluded from the remaining US dates of singer Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after saying “Free Palestine” on stage during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium, according to social media posts by the artist. The decision has sparked a wider backlash, resulting in multiple supporting acts withdrawing from upcoming shows in solidarity.
Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium Performance and Subsequent Tour Exclusion
During the September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium near New York, Ben Haggerty—known professionally as Macklemore—told the audience he wanted to utter two words very dear to him: “Free Palestine,” adding that he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they have not been forgotten, according to source reports. The performance featured his song “Hind’s Hall,” dedicated to Columbia University student protesters and named after Hind Rajab. Following the event, singer Pink reposted content accusing the rapper of “anti-Israeli propaganda,” while the Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding his removal.
Ed Sheeran’s Response and Venue Pressure
Macklemore stated in a social media post that Ed Sheeran informed him of the exclusion after receiving a call from Robert Kraft, owner of the Gillette Stadium near Boston, who publicly supports Israel. According to Macklemore’s account, Kraft stated he would not permit the rapper to perform at his venue and mobilized other stadium owners to issue similar ultimatums regarding Sheeran’s tour. In a response shared on Tuesday, Sheeran contradicted parts of Macklemore’s narrative, stating the decision to drop the opener stemmed from how the message was delivered rather than the message itself, and emphasized that promoters and venue owners made the final call after discussions failed to yield a shared solution.
Reactions From Supporting Acts and Promoter Stance
Following Sheeran’s response, several artists slated to open future dates on the Loop Tour withdrew in solidarity with the Palestinian people. According to source reporting, these artists include Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, and Danish group Lukas Graham. The Messina Touring Group, which promotes the US dates, confirmed that venues had communicated their unwillingness to host shows featuring Macklemore due to his stage commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore was excluded from the remaining US dates after uttering “Free Palestine” on stage on September 4, prompting venue owners like Robert Kraft and tour promoters to declare his presence unacceptable for upcoming stadium shows, according to reports.
Which artists withdrew from the tour in solidarity?
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Lukas Graham withdrew from their scheduled opening slots following the controversy, according to verified news reports.
How did Ed Sheeran respond to the controversy?
Ed Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by venue promoters and owners rather than himself, while maintaining a stance of political neutrality.
Did you know? Macklemore’s song “Hind’s Hall” was specifically written to honor student protests at Columbia University and references victims of the conflict in Gaza.
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