American rapper Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of British singer Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks during concerts at MetLifenStadium in New Jersey.
Macklemore has publicly supported Palestinians for years. He released “Hind’s Hall” in 2024, a protest song inspired by pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the death of 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab.
During his performance at MetLife on Sept 4, Macklemore expressed to the audience that he was unsure of how he would address the song “Hind’s Hall.” He said that he was scared to speak about the subject but decided that remaining silent would go against his beliefs.
“If I let that fear that I felt on the plane yesterday stop me from speaking my heart in order to keep my own comfort and the audience’s comfort, that is the day that I no longer intend to be here on stage,” Macklemore told the crowd.
According to clips from the performance posted on social media, Macklemore said, “The truth is, a big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I can stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine. I want those words to be loud and clear so the people all the way in Gaza, to the occupied West Bank, know that we have not forgotten about them.”
Macklemore wrapped up his speech by referring to people living through conflict in Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran. The following night, Macklemore addressed the conflict again and said, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you. This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
The remarks drew criticism from many, including the IsraeliAmerican Council, who launched a petition calling for Macklemore
to be removed from the tour. The council accused Macklemore of having a “one-sided political agenda.”
However, the controversy grew when several venues told the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, that they would not host shows with Macklemore present in the lineup. Keeping Macklemore on the tour could have resulted in cancellations that would affect thousands
of fans.
Macklemore wrote on Instagram, “Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium and is a prominent Israel donor, was among those who said Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the stadium.
“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real. But the advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas,” Kraft said.
Sheeran later clarified that Macklemore’s removal was not his decision. He wrote on Instagram, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” Sheeran added that he did not want to let fans down or abandon crew members who relied on the tour for work.
However, the decision to remove Macklemore led the rest of Sheeran’s opening acts—Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—to withdraw from the tour. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on social media. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
As many weighed in on the internet, Pink shared a post criticizing Macklemore for his comments and calling for him to be removed from the tour. However, other singers, including Kehlani, Zara Larsson, as well as YouTube personality Ms. Rachel, spoke out against Macklemore’s removal.
The fallout continued when Macklemore made a statement on Sept. 16 that he would donate $1 million of his tour earnings to organizations supporting Palestinians. He invited Kraft to do the same. Sheeran later committed a $2 million donation and called Kraft to match his donation. Kraft has not made any remarks regarding this.
Despite the controversy, Sheeran continued the tour. Sheeran addressed the situation for the first time onstage at his Philadelphia concert on Sept. 19.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry,” Sheeran said. “This has put me in
the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” he continued. “My heart’s been broken by the scale of devastation and the loss of civilians’ lives. Children’s lives.”
Sheeran’s comments have shifted from his earlier approach to the controversy, where he said he wanted to keep his shows focused on bringing people together.
With Macklemore removed from the remainder of the tour and Sheeran continuing on, the ability artists have to express themselves onstage sparks a debate.
