Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Exit Amid Gaza Free-Speech Dispute
Ed Sheeran spoke about Macklemore at a concert in Philadelphia.
Macklemore had performed at Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey.
During those performances, Macklemore spoke about Gaza and said, “Free Palestine.”
Some groups criticized him, and he was removed from the rest of the tour.
Sheeran said the promoter and venues, not he, made that decision.
He said the situation raised important questions about free speech.
Sheeran also said the suffering of civilians in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank was deeply troubling.
Macklemore said he did not regret speaking for Palestinians.
Other performers left some of Sheeran’s upcoming tour dates because of the dispute.
Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US Loop Tour dates at a Philadelphia concert.
Sheeran said the controversy placed him in a debate over free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
He described the October 7 attack in Israel as horrific and conditions in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable.
Messina Touring Group said venues would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore to proceed, potentially risking cancellations.
Macklemore defended speaking for Palestinians, while several artists withdrew from associated tour dates.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Messina Touring Group, several tour-associated artists, and organizations criticizing Macklemore’s remarks.
- What
- Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US Loop Tour dates and discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict, free speech, and humanitarian suffering.
- When
- Sheeran spoke on Saturday at his first concert after Macklemore’s removal; Macklemore’s performances occurred on September 4 and 5.
- Where
- Sheeran spoke at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Macklemore’s remarks were made at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- Why
- Macklemore was removed after backlash over remarks supporting Palestinians, while the promoter said venues would not allow concerts featuring him to proceed.
Free Speech and Palestinian Advocacy
Venue and Tour Restrictions
Macklemore’s onstage remarks
Free Speech and Palestinian Advocacy
Macklemore said he did not regret using the tour stage to support Palestinians and featured his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Venue and Tour Restrictions
Jewish and pro-Israel organizations criticized his remarks, with the Israeli-American Council calling for his removal from the tour.
Responsibility for the removal
Free Speech and Palestinian Advocacy
Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter and venues rather than by him, and expressed concern about venues pre-approving performance content.
Venue and Tour Restrictions
Messina Touring Group said venues had informed it that concerts featuring Macklemore would not be allowed to proceed, potentially causing cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.
Public response to the conflict
Free Speech and Palestinian Advocacy
Sheeran said the October 7 attack in Israel was horrific, while describing the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable and calling for attention to civilian suffering.
Venue and Tour Restrictions
Sheeran also said his shows were intended as safe spaces centered on unity rather than division, and that he had not wanted to be a political commentator.
- Tour
- US Loop Tour
- Philadelphia venue
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Macklemore performances
- September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
- Promoter
- Messina Touring Group
- Contested remarks
- Macklemore discussed Gaza and the West Bank and said, “Free Palestine.”
- Sheeran’s position
- He said the conflict was a humanitarian issue and that he could no longer hide his feelings about it.
- Other departures
- Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Finneas, and Beoga withdrew from associated upcoming dates.
