Macklemore Reportedly Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour Following 'Free Palestine' Remarks
Promoters said venue objections would have forced cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans, and Macklemore says Robert Kraft pressured Ed Sheeran to drop him.
- On Monday, rapper Macklemore alleged in an Instagram post that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft orchestrated his removal from Ed Sheeran's LOOP Tour by calling the singer and rallying other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum.
- Earlier this month at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore told audiences he joined the tour 'so I can stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine,' drawing criticism from the Israeli-American Council and StopAntisemitism.
- Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore would no longer appear on remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour after venue operators refused to host concerts with him on the lineup. His name has been scrubbed from Gillette Stadium's website.
- Macklemore addressed the removal Monday, stating he does not view himself, Sheeran, or Pink as victims while defending his decision to speak publicly about Palestinians. Neither Sheeran nor Kraft have publicly confirmed his account of their alleged conversation.
- The Anti-Defamation League called Macklemore's comments 'hateful' and accused him of demonizing Israel and Israelis, while Kraft has spent millions on a 'Stand Up to Jewish Hate' campaign. Macklemore countered that conflating Israel criticism with antisemitism protects the nation from accountability.
102 Articles
102 Articles
The US rapper Macklemore is known for political statements about the Middle East conflict. He was also noticed with speeches at concerts with pop star Ed Sheeran. Now he was excluded from the tour.
The US rapper Macklemore is known for political statements about the Middle East conflict. He was also noticed with speeches at concerts with pop star Ed Sheeran. Now he was excluded from the tour.
Macklemore says Robert Kraft's pressure campaign got him dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour
Macklemore alleges Robert Kraft pressured Ed Sheeran to remove him from tour dates. Kraft reportedly threatened venue access if Macklemore continued performing his shows. The rapper had voiced support for Palestine and displayed related imagery onstage. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed venues objected to Macklemore's inclusion. The tour continues without Macklemore, with its next stop in Philadelphia.
'Free Palestine' Macklemore said during a concert. Now he's been kicked off Ed Sheeran's tour.
The promoter of Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour decided to take Macklemore off as a teller for his pro-Palestinian message.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
