Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour After Palestine Remarks
Macklemore is a rapper from Seattle who became famous with songs such as “Thrift Shop” and “Same Love.”
He often uses his music and concerts to talk about important social issues.
In recent years, he has spoken publicly in support of Palestinians and criticized Israel’s policies.
He also made a song called “Hind’s Hall” supporting pro-Palestinian student protests.
During an Ed Sheeran concert tour, Macklemore told the audience to support a “Free Palestine.”
Some Jewish and pro-Israel groups criticized what he said.
The tour promoter and some venues then decided he could not perform at the remaining U.S. shows.
Sheeran said he wanted his concerts to stay politically neutral and that the removal decision was made by the promoter and venues.
Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, rose to global fame with Ryan Lewis through songs including “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us” and “Same Love.”
His activism has addressed marriage equality, racism, white privilege, addiction, U.S. politics and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
He released “Hind’s Hall” in May 2024 to support pro-Palestinian student demonstrations and said proceeds would benefit UNRWA.
At a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” and discussed Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
After criticism from pro-Israel groups and venue concerns, promoter Messina Touring Group removed him from the remaining U.S. tour dates; Ed Sheeran said the decision was not his personally.
- Who
- Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, the tour promoter Messina Touring Group, venues, and organizations including the Israeli American Council and Anti-Defamation League.
- What
- Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks at a concert prompted criticism and venue concerns.
- When
- The key performance occurred on September 4; Macklemore’s Palestine advocacy began publicly in 2023, and “Hind’s Hall” was released in May 2024.
- Where
- The disputed performance took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, during the U.S. leg of the Loop Tour.
- Why
- The promoter said venues would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, while Sheeran said he wanted the shows to remain politically neutral.
Macklemore and Free-Expression Supporters
Critics and Tour Stakeholders
Political speech at concerts
Macklemore and Free-Expression Supporters
Macklemore said his remarks concerned Israeli government policy and the treatment of Palestinians, not Jewish people, and described his message as one of peace, dignity, respect and equality.
Critics and Tour Stakeholders
The Israeli American Council and the Anti-Defamation League criticized the performance, while the tour promoter and venues objected to political messaging on the concert stage.
Whether Macklemore should remain on tour
Macklemore and Free-Expression Supporters
Macklemore defended his comments, and other performers who later withdrew framed their decisions around freedom of expression and support for Palestinians.
Critics and Tour Stakeholders
The promoter said several venues would not host shows with Macklemore on the lineup and that retaining him could have caused cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Who made the removal decision
Macklemore and Free-Expression Supporters
Macklemore said he understood the decision but did not agree with it, while making clear that he did not view himself as the victim.
Critics and Tour Stakeholders
Sheeran said he tried to find a solution but that the promoter and venues, rather than he personally, made the decision; he said his shows should remain politically neutral.
- Real name
- Ben Haggerty
- Hometown
- Seattle, Washington
- Breakthrough partnership
- Producer Ryan Lewis
- Major songs
- “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us” and “Same Love”
- Palestine protest song
- “Hind’s Hall,” released in May 2024
- Concert statement
- Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” at MetLife Stadium on September 4
- Tour outcome
- He was removed from the remaining U.S. support dates