Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Pro-Palestine Backlash

Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following backlash over his pro-Palestine onstage comments. The rapper was dropped after several venues allegedly told the tour they would not allow him to perform, according to reports. The decision comes after the Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding his removal, arguing he used the concert platform to advance a “one-sided political agenda”.

The controversy began during Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium stop in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, where Macklemore told the crowd “Free Palestine” before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” He wore a keffiyeh and Gaza imagery was played on stadium screens behind him. Macklemore later defended his remarks, stating that criticism of Israel was not aimed at Jewish people and that his message was about peace and equal treatment . Pink also became entangled in the controversy after reposting criticism of Macklemore, though she later clarified she was not calling for him to be silenced.

It remains unclear which venues specifically raised objections, but at least two are privately owned: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, owned by David Tepper, and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, owned by Robert Kraft. Both stadiums were scheduled to host Ed Sheeran’s tour with Macklemore as the opening act. The show will go on without him.