Macklemore Axed From Ed Sheeran Tour After 'Free Palestine' Speech Sparks Venue Backlash

Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after his 'Free Palestine' speech at a New Jersey concert triggered backlash from advocacy groups and objections from several venues.

The 43-year-old rapper was due to open for Sheeran at eight of the remaining 10 US stadium shows, but promoter Messina Touring Group said venues would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the line-up. Keeping him could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' Speech

The controversy followed Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 4 and 5 September.

During his 4 September set, Macklemore told the crowd, 'People from Gaza all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them. Free Palestine!'

He repeated the call, saying, 'So I say free Palestine! I say free Lebanon! I say free Cuba!'

Macklemore then addressed Jewish audience members, saying, 'To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters. Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.'

He also performed his 2024 protest song 'Hind's Hall.' His remarks prompted criticism from groups including the Israeli-American Council and StopAntisemitism.

Venues Refused Macklemore's Return

Messina Touring Group said several venues notified the promoter that they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the line-up.

The promoter said retaining him could have put the wider tour at risk of cancellation and affected hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore was scheduled to perform in cities including Philadelphia, Foxborough, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Arlington and Tampa before his removal.

The tour is due to resume in Philadelphia on 19 September without him. The Daily Mail also reported on Macklemore's removal following the backlash over his MetLife Stadium comments.

Robert Kraft Confirms He Blocked Macklemore

The dispute escalated after Macklemore claimed New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft intervened over his planned appearance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Macklemore alleged that Kraft contacted Sheeran and rallied other stadium owners against allowing him to perform. Those wider claims have not been independently established.

Kraft confirmed that he opposed Macklemore appearing at Gillette Stadium for Sheeran's 25 and 26 September shows.

The NFL owner said the decision followed Macklemore's recent actions and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that he believed had offended the Jewish community.

Macklemore Backlash Sparks Divided Reaction

The fallout prompted strong social-media reactions, with several users directing their disappointment at Sheeran despite the promoter's explanation that venues objected to Macklemore's inclusion.

One commenter wrote, 'So Ed just cancelled his whole career by doing this,' while another asked, 'okay so we backing Macklemore and dropping Ed right RIGHT?!?'

A third posted, 'In a world full of Pinks and Ed Sheerans, be a fucking Macklemore,' while another wrote, 'Disappointed in Ed Sheeran.'

Another said, 'everyone who hated ed sheeran now has a legitimate reason to hate ed sheeran,' while one added, 'Wow disappointed in ed.'

However, another pushed back, writing, 'It wasn't Ed, it was the Venues! Although I do feel like ed should've just chose a new venue.'

Macklemore Speaks Out After Removal

Macklemore later addressed his removal, saying he and Sheeran had held difficult conversations over the controversy.

He maintained that his message was about the Palestinian people and defended his decision to speak publicly about Gaza. The promoter, rather than Sheeran personally, attributed the removal to venue objections.

Sheeran has not publicly commented on Macklemore's removal, while his remaining US dates are set to continue without the rapper.