Macklemore says he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour
The rapper said venue owners objected to his pro-Palestinian remarks, including a “Free Palestine” statement at a New Jersey concert.
Macklemore said he had been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks, including saying “Free Palestine” at a 4 September concert in New Jersey.
The rapper announced the decision on Instagram, saying he and Sheeran had held “difficult conversations” during the week. Sheeran had not publicly commented at the time of reporting.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s US tour, said venue owners for the remaining dates had told promoters they would not allow concerts with Macklemore in the lineup. The promoter said Macklemore would not perform on the remaining support dates, without identifying the venues involved.
Macklemore was scheduled to appear at eight of Sheeran’s 10 remaining US shows. The tour was due to resume in Philadelphia on 19 September, according to details reported by France 24.
The decision followed criticism from figures including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kraft said he believed a line had been crossed in his opposition to hate and antisemitism. Macklemore denied being antisemitic and said criticism of Israel’s actions should not be conflated with antisemitism.
Macklemore has previously criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. He released the protest song “Hind’s Hall” in 2024 in support of pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
