Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstage
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour After Pro-Palestinian Remarks
Indiadailyupdate.com – Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after several U.S. stadium venues raised concerns about comments the rapper made in support of Palestinians during a New Jersey concert. The artist said he would no longer appear as an opening act on the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
The Grammy-winning performer announced the change in an Instagram post on Monday. Macklemore said venues had told the tour promoter they would not allow him to perform, leading to his removal from the scheduled shows.
Venues Raised Concerns About Macklemore’s Appearance
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the tour, confirmed that some venues had objected to Macklemore being included in the lineup. The company told Rolling Stone that it had been informed certain stadiums would not host a concert featuring him, which could have put planned events at risk and affected ticket holders.
Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts was among the venues connected to the dispute. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said the decision related to Macklemore’s recent comments and what he described as a broader pattern of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that had hurt members of the Jewish community.
“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real,” Kraft said in a statement.
Kraft also said support for Palestinians should not come at the expense of Jewish communities or overlook Hamas’ responsibility. The response reflected the wider, emotionally charged debate over Gaza, Israel, antisemitism and the treatment of Palestinian civilians.
What Macklemore Said During the MetLife Stadium Show
The controversy followed Macklemore’s Sept. 5 appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” he spoke in support of Palestinians and addressed the war in Gaza.
The song was written after the 2024 university-campus protests supporting Palestinians. Its title refers to Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed after Israeli forces fired on her family’s vehicle in Gaza City.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” Macklemore told the audience. “This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
Macklemore said his criticism was aimed at the Israeli government and its actions, not Jewish people generally. He has publicly discussed the humanitarian impact of the war in Gaza for years.
Macklemore Says His Position Has Not Changed
In his Instagram post, Macklemore said he had spoken directly with Sheeran about the controversy. He indicated that their friendship did not change his belief that he should continue speaking about the issue.
“But as I told Ed multiple times on the phone, our friendship can’t change my responsibility to tell the truth about what happened,” Macklemore wrote.
He also argued that political speech becomes more controversial when delivered before larger audiences at major stadium shows. Ed Sheeran had not publicly commented on Macklemore’s departure when the announcement was made, and representatives for the British singer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
FAQ: Macklemore and Ed Sheeran’s Tour
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Macklemore said several stadium venues objected to his appearance following his pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium. The tour promoter confirmed that venue concerns created a risk to scheduled shows.
Will Macklemore perform at future Ed Sheeran tour dates?
Macklemore said he would no longer serve as an opening act on the remaining U.S. dates affected by the venue decisions.
Did Ed Sheeran comment on Macklemore’s removal?
Ed Sheeran had not publicly addressed the decision at the time Macklemore announced it.