Macklemore Reveals 'Fundamental Disagreement' With Ed Sheeran After Being Dropped From Tour

Macklemore has confirmed he was dropped from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after his pro-Palestine remarks sparked criticism and objections from venues. The American rapper said on Monday, 14 September, that a week of private conversations with his long-time friend Sheeran ended in a 'fundamental disagreement' over speaking publicly about Palestine.

Meanwhile, tour promoter Messina Touring Group separately said venues had indicated they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill, potentially putting upcoming concerts at risk.

The fallout began after Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 September.

Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' Speech Sparks Backlash

During the concert, Macklemore told the audience that part of his reason for joining the tour was the chance to stand inside major stadiums and say 'Free Palestine.'

He also performed 'Hind's Hall,' a song critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, accompanied by images showing destruction in the territory.

The remarks prompted criticism from organisations including the Israeli-American Council and StopAntisemitism. The latter accused Macklemore of subjecting concertgoers to 'anti-Israel propaganda.'

Macklemore returned to the stage the following night and addressed Jewish audience members directly, arguing that criticism of Israel and allegations concerning its conduct should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.

Israel has rejected accusations of genocide and maintains that its military operations comply with international law. Its Gaza campaign followed the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostage.

The 'Fundamental Disagreement' With Ed Sheeran

In a lengthy Instagram statement confirming his removal, Macklemore said he and Sheeran had held 'difficult conversations' during the following week.

The 43-year-old described Sheeran as 'like a brother' after 13 years of friendship and said their discussions had been rooted in 'love and respect.'

However, he said they ultimately ended 'in a place of fundamental disagreement.'

According to Macklemore's account, Sheeran told him that the phrase 'Free Palestine' and displays of the Palestinian flag had hurt people he had spoken with. Macklemore said he disagreed with Sheeran's publicly neutral approach and argued there was no neutral position in the conflict.

Sheeran had not publicly provided his own detailed account of those conversations at the time of reporting.

Why Was Macklemore Dropped From 'Loop' Tour?

According to tour promoter Messina Touring Group, venues also influenced the decision by opposing Macklemore's performance.

The promoter told Rolling Stone that upcoming venues had said they would not permit Macklemore to perform, potentially resulting in tour cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, publicly confirmed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the venue. Kraft said the stadium would not 'provide a platform for hate speech' and accused the rapper of a wider history of antisemitic rhetoric.

Macklemore rejects accusations that his advocacy for Palestinians is antisemitic.

Despite losing his remaining tour dates, Macklemore showed no indication of withdrawing his position. He said Palestinians, rather than the celebrities caught in the controversy, were the victims and left open the possibility of repairing his friendship with Sheeran.

If losing his place on the tour returned attention to Palestine, Macklemore concluded, it was 'the most successful tour I've ever been on.'