Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Macklemore Dropped From Sheeran Tour as Support Acts Quit
Macklemore performed at Ed Sheeran’s concerts in New Jersey and spoke in support of Palestinians.
He said “Free Palestine” and showed a song and images about the war in Gaza.
Some Jewish and pro-Israel groups objected to his comments and called them anti-Israel propaganda.
The Israeli American Council started a petition asking for him to be removed.
Sheeran said the tour promoter made the decision after venues threatened to withdraw their shows.
Sheeran also said he tries not to use his concerts as political forums.
Macklemore said staying neutral is not acceptable when people are being oppressed.
Several other musicians then quit Sheeran’s US tour to protest Macklemore’s removal.
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s remaining US tour dates after saying “Free Palestine” during New Jersey concerts.
He performed “Hind’s Hall” while footage showing devastation in Gaza played on the stadium screen.
The Israeli American Council and StopAntisemitism criticised Macklemore, while some venues reportedly pressured promoters to remove him.
Sheeran said promoter Messina Touring Group made the decision, although Macklemore questioned Sheeran’s refusal to take a public stance.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga and Aaron Rowe subsequently announced they were leaving the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
- Who
- Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, Ed Sheeran, the tour promoter Messina Touring Group, supporting acts and advocacy groups.
- What
- Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s remaining US tour dates after making pro-Palestinian remarks; several support acts then quit.
- When
- The controversy began with Macklemore’s September 4 performance, followed by his removal and the support acts’ departures later that month.
- Where
- The initial remarks were made at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, during Sheeran’s US Loop Tour.
- Why
- The removal followed criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel groups and reported pressure from venues, while Sheeran said the promoter acted to protect the scheduled shows.
Artists Supporting Macklemore
Critics and Tour Response
Freedom of expression
Artists Supporting Macklemore
Macklemore’s supporters said artists should be able to speak about civilians, war and alleged oppression, and several described his removal as silencing pro-Palestinian expression.
Critics and Tour Response
Sheeran said concerts should remain a safe, nonpolitical space for audiences of all backgrounds and said he prefers diplomacy and keeping conversations open.
Interpretation of the remarks
Artists Supporting Macklemore
Macklemore and supporters framed criticism of Israel, opposition to apartheid and opposition to genocide as support for Palestinians rather than criticism of Jewish people.
Critics and Tour Response
StopAntisemitism described the performance as anti-Israel propaganda imposed on Jewish fans, while the Israeli American Council sought his removal.
Responsibility for removal
Artists Supporting Macklemore
Macklemore questioned Sheeran’s decision not to take a public position, and departing support acts protested the removal.
Critics and Tour Response
Sheeran said venues had threatened to pull upcoming shows and that Messina Touring Group ultimately removed Macklemore, not Sheeran personally.
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour
- Removed artist
- Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty
- New Jersey performance
- Macklemore said “Free Palestine,” performed “Hind’s Hall” and displayed footage of devastation in Gaza.
- Promoter’s stated role
- Sheeran said Messina Touring Group, rather than he personally, made the decision to remove Macklemore.
- Artists leaving
- Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas announced departures from the tour.
- Criticism
- The Israeli American Council launched a removal petition, while StopAntisemitism criticised the performance.
- Reported Gaza death toll
- The articles cite figures above 73,300 and above 73,780, attributed to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
