Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstage
Macklemore Is Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Stadium Tour
Bharatmorning.com – Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after several U.S. stadium venues raised objections to the rapper’s recent pro-Palestinian comments onstage. The artist said he would no longer appear as an opening act on the tour.
The Grammy-winning musician, whose legal name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, announced the decision in an Instagram post. He said venues had told the tour promoter that concerts featuring him would not be permitted to proceed.
Comments at MetLife Stadium
The dispute followed Macklemore’s September 5 appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the performance, he introduced his song “Hind’s Hall,” called for a free Palestine and spoke about the war in Gaza.
“At a certain level of exposure, ‘Free Palestine’ becomes too much of a risk,” Macklemore wrote.
He said his support for Palestinians was not new, but argued that performing on a major stadium tour had increased the pressure on venues, promoters and event partners.
Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, said it had received venue notifications indicating that dates with Macklemore on the bill could not go ahead. The promoter said retaining him could have jeopardized performances for large numbers of ticket holders.
Venue Response and Community Concerns
Gillette Stadium was among the venues involved. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, said Macklemore’s remarks and what he described as a broader record of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery had caused pain within the Jewish community.
“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,” Kraft said.
Kraft said advocacy for Palestinians should not harm Jewish people or divert attention from Hamas’ responsibility. The situation highlights the difficult choices faced by stadium operators when artists bring politically charged issues to large public events.
Ed Sheeran had not publicly commented on Macklemore’s removal when the announcement was made. Representatives for Sheeran did not immediately provide a response.
Macklemore’s Position on Gaza
Macklemore is known for hits including “Thrift Shop” and “Same Love,” and he has increasingly used his platform to discuss Palestinian rights and the war in Gaza. “Hind’s Hall” was written after campus demonstrations in support of Palestinians in 2024.
The song is named after Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed after Israeli forces fired on her family’s vehicle in Gaza City. During his MetLife appearance, Macklemore said criticism of Israel and its military actions should not be treated as criticism of Jewish people.
“This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality,” he told the audience.
Macklemore said his friendship with Sheeran could not outweigh what he saw as a responsibility to speak openly about Gaza. The controversy also drew criticism from singer Pink, who later faced backlash over her response.
FAQ for U.S. Ticket Holders
Is Ed Sheeran’s tour still scheduled to continue?
The tour dates remained scheduled to proceed. Macklemore’s removal was intended to prevent venue objections from affecting the wider stadium schedule.
Will ticket holders receive a refund because Macklemore is no longer performing?
A support-act lineup change does not necessarily mean a concert has been canceled. Ticket holders should check the event venue, ticketing provider and official tour communications for the terms applying to their specific date.
Why was Macklemore removed from the lineup?
Macklemore said venues objected to his pro-Palestinian statements and informed the promoter that shows featuring him would not be allowed to proceed. The promoter said the decision was linked to protecting the remaining tour dates.