Grammy award winning rapper, Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after ‘free Palestine’ speech

American rapper, Macklemore has been dropped from the remainder of the US leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after making on-stage remarks in support of Palestine during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

During a speech between songs, the Grammy-winning artist told the crowd he wanted the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. The incident prompted a petition from the Israeli American Council calling for his removal from the tour.

Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the US leg of Sheeran’s tour, stated that several venues notified them that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, which could have led to tour cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Following discussions with stakeholders, the decision was made to drop the artist from the remaining support dates.

Macklemore was scheduled to open for Sheeran across eight of the remaining ten US dates, including scheduled stops in Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa.

During his appearance on stage, Macklemore delivered a speech advocating for Palestinian rights and performed his protest track Hind’s Hall, which incorporates visuals depicting the conflict in Gaza. He also directed comments toward U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The speech drew criticism from advocacy groups such as StopAntisemitism and the Israeli American Council.

Singer Pink amplified public reactions by reposting criticism regarding the rhetoric used during the performance, later clarifying that while she did not object to the phrase “free Palestine,” she was expressing concern as a Jewish mother regarding the surrounding commentary.

At a subsequent show, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members directly, stating that criticism of Israeli government policy or apartheid was not aimed at Jewish people, and that his underlying message remained focused on peace, equality, and human dignity.

In a public statement, Macklemore confirmed that he had been removed from the tour following discussions with Sheeran and tour management. He noted that stadium operators, under pressure regarding venue access, issued an ultimatum regarding his inclusion on the bill.

Addressing the situation, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company operates Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, stated that the decision to object to Macklemore’s appearance stemmed from concerns over rhetoric and imagery deemed offensive to the Jewish community, while expressing openness to dialogue aimed at promoting peace.

The US leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour is set to resume with openers Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe remaining on the lineup.