Macklemore Reportedly Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour Following 'Free Palestine' Remarks
The promoter said venues would not allow him on the lineup, citing backlash over his pro-Palestinian remarks and a risk of canceling shows for hundreds of thousands of fans.
- On Monday, September 14, 2026, promoter Messina Touring Group announced rapper Macklemore will no longer perform on Ed Sheeran's remaining U.S. Loop Tour dates after multiple venues threatened to cancel shows.
- Controversy escalated after Macklemore chanted "Free Palestine" and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, earlier this month, prompting the Israeli-American Council to launch a removal petition.
- Messina confirmed that multiple stadium operators refused to host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, stating his participation would force cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.
- Macklemore alleged in an Instagram statement that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran to remove him, though neither Sheeran nor Kraft's representatives have publicly corroborated the ultimatum claim.
- The removal reflects shifting commercial responses to political expression in stadium venues, where operators increasingly face pressure to manage public backlash by intervening in touring lineups.
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Joe Concha calls Macklemore an 'antisemite' for pro-Palestinian remarks
Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha blasted rapper Macklemore over his pro-Palestinian remarks during Ed Sheeran’s tour, which sparked backlash from Jewish and pro-Israel groups. “People just want to hear good music,” Concha said Tuesday on Fox & Friends First. “They want a concert, they don’t want a campus protest. And many people pay good money […]
Ed Sheeran issues statement after Macklemore dropped from US tour
Ed Sheeran on Tuesday issued a statement after American rapper Macklemore said he was dropped from the pop star’s US tour following his pro-Palestinian comments and "Free Palestine" remarks during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Macklemore wrote on Instagram he and...
Orlando Weekly
Creative Loafing: Tampa BayMacklemore removed from Tampa show with Ed Sheeran following ‘Free Palestine’ statements
Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is among a handful of venues that will not feature Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s current “Loop Tour,” after the “Thrift Shop” artist made a series of statements at recent shows in support of Palestinians and called for a “free Palestine.” In a Monday morning statement shared with Rolling Stone, the tour’s promoter, […]
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