Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Tour Upended After Macklemore Palestine Backlash
Macklemore was supposed to open concerts for Ed Sheeran.
During one concert, Macklemore spoke in support of Palestinians and said “Free Palestine.”
The promoter then removed him from the tour.
Sheeran said he did not make that decision and does not want his concerts to become political forums.
Robert Kraft, who owns venues connected to the tour, said Macklemore had used antisemitic rhetoric and imagery in the past.
Several other musicians quit the tour after Macklemore was removed.
They said artists should be able to speak for people they believe are being oppressed.
Macklemore promised to donate $1 million to groups helping Palestinians.
Kraft said he would donate $2 million after Sheeran asked him to help provide aid in the region.
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after saying “Free Palestine” during a New Jersey concert.
Sheeran said the promoter, not he, made the decision to drop Macklemore.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga later withdrew from the tour.
Macklemore pledged $1 million to six organizations helping Palestinians and challenged Robert Kraft to match it.
Kraft said Sheeran asked him to provide a $2 million donation for aid in the region.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Robert Kraft and several supporting acts, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.
- What
- Macklemore was removed as a tour opener, and the remaining supporting acts subsequently withdrew.
- When
- The dispute followed Macklemore’s September 5 concert comments; the supporting acts withdrew Tuesday, and the donations were announced Wednesday.
- Where
- The comments were made in New Jersey; Sheeran was scheduled to perform in Philadelphia and later at Gillette Stadium.
- Why
- The promoter cited Macklemore’s comments and Kraft cited a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while departing artists objected to what they viewed as silencing pro-Palestinian speech.
Artists Challenging the Removal
Promoter and Venue-Owner Rationale
Whether Macklemore should have been removed
Artists Challenging the Removal
Macklemore and the departing supporting acts characterized the removal as silencing speech supporting Palestinians and criticizing alleged oppression.
Promoter and Venue-Owner Rationale
The promoter removed Macklemore, while Robert Kraft said the decision responded to his recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Political speech at concerts
Artists Challenging the Removal
Finneas, Beoga, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham said artists should be able to speak for oppressed people and that money should not determine which suffering can be discussed.
Promoter and Venue-Owner Rationale
Sheeran said his audiences include young people and children from all backgrounds, and that people attending his shows do not expect a political forum.
Kraft’s role and donations
Artists Challenging the Removal
Macklemore challenged Kraft to match his $1 million donation, while some supporting acts objected to the influence of billionaires.
Promoter and Venue-Owner Rationale
Kraft said Sheeran contacted him to request a $2 million donation for aid in the region and said they would work with other venue owners to build bridges.
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour across North and South America
- Removed opener
- Macklemore
- Macklemore’s pledge
- $1 million from his net tour earnings to six organizations helping Palestinians
- Kraft’s pledge
- $2 million for aid in the region, with recipients not specified
- Departing acts
- Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga
- Sheeran’s position
- He said Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision and that he was not complicit
- Kraft’s position
- He said the removal followed Macklemore’s recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery