Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Free Palestine Speech

Tour Removal Following MetLife Stadium Remarks

The Seattle-bred rapper was scheduled to open eight of the remaining 10 shows on Ed Sheeran’s US Loop tour, which resumes on September 19 in Philadelphia. According to Messina Touring Group, stadiums in cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa objected to Macklemore’s participation. Promoter statements to Rolling Stone noted that the venues refused to host a lineup containing the artist, leading to his removal after stakeholder discussions.

During a two-minute speech between songs on September 4, Macklemore told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. He also called US Immigration and Customs Enforcement a terrorist organization and displayed images of destruction in Gaza during his protest anthem Hind’s Hall. The track honors Hind Rajab, a six-year-old killed by the Israeli military in 2024.

Activist and Venue Backlash

The remarks drew immediate criticism from groups including StopAntisemitism, which accused the musician of ambushing fans with anti-Israel propaganda. The Israeli American Council petitioned for his removal, arguing that the musician used a global platform to advance a one-sided political agenda. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium—where Sheeran was next slated to play—stated that the venue barred Macklemore due to remarks and a history of rhetoric he believes is deeply offensive to the Jewish community.

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Kraft, who created the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, stated that he welcomes an opportunity to discuss the facts with Macklemore. Meanwhile, singer Pink amplified criticism of the incident on Instagram while clarifying that she did not ask for another artist to be silenced or fired, though she expressed fear regarding the rhetoric.

Artist Response and Industry Impact

In a lengthy Instagram post on Monday morning, Macklemore confirmed his removal from the tour. He noted that Ed Sheeran was placed in a difficult position due to pressure from stadium owners rallied by Kraft. The rapper stated that his friendship of 13 years with Sheeran remains intact, writing that “our friendship can’t change my responsibility to tell the truth about what happened.”

Macklemore reiterated that his message called for peace, love, and equality for all human beings, adding that criticism of Israel or apartheid is not a criticism of Jewish people. Tour openers Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe will proceed with the remaining dates as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?

Macklemore was removed after stadium venues on the US Loop tour refused to host a concert with him on the lineup following his “free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium.

Which venues objected to the rapper’s appearance?

According to the tour promoter, venues in Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa objected to his return.

What did Macklemore say during his stage appearance?

On September 4, he told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten, criticized US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall.

How did tour organizers respond?

Messina Touring Group stated that venues refused to allow the concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, prompting stakeholders to drop him from the remaining support dates to avoid widespread cancellations.