Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian stance costs him a spot on Ed Sheeran’s tour.
Macklemore says he has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a recent show in New Jersey.
The Grammy-winning rapper revealed Monday that several US venues told tour promoter Messina Touring Group they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran’s opening act. According to Macklemore, Sheeran’s team subsequently decided to drop him from the tour.
Macklemore made the comments while introducing “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium on September 5. The protest track, released in 2024, takes its name from Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza.
During the performance, Macklemore called for a free Palestine and stressed that criticism of Israel should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He also called for peace, equality and dignity for all.
The decision has sparked further debate around the rapper’s long-running advocacy for Palestinians. Macklemore questioned why his statements had become a problem now, suggesting that performing alongside one of the world’s biggest artists at major US stadiums had increased the commercial risk.
Messina Touring Group confirmed that venues had objected to Macklemore’s inclusion, saying his participation could have led to tour cancellations and affected hundreds of thousands of fans.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, also defended the decision. He cited Macklemore’s recent remarks and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while stressing that the suffering of Palestinians should not be dismissed.
Sheeran has not publicly commented on Macklemore’s removal. Macklemore, meanwhile, said he holds no ill will toward Ed Sheeran and still considers him a friend, but believes he has a responsibility to speak about what he sees as injustice.
The Loop Tour is scheduled to continue across major US stadiums, including venues in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington and Tampa.
