Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Macklemore Removal Deepens Dispute Over Sheeran’s Loop Tour
Macklemore was supposed to open concerts for Ed Sheeran.
During two shows in New Jersey, he said “Free Palestine” and spoke about people suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.
He also performed a song called “Hind’s Hall,” which supports Palestinian protesters.
Some stadiums reportedly said they would not host the concerts if Macklemore stayed on the tour.
The promoter then removed him from the remaining U.S. shows.
Sheeran said he respected Macklemore but that the promoter and venues made the decision, not him.
Robert Kraft said Macklemore could not perform at Gillette Stadium because of comments and imagery he considered hurtful to Jewish people.
Macklemore said supporting Palestinians is not the same as hating Jewish people.
Four other support acts later quit the tour to protest what they saw as the silencing of artists.
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates after saying “Free Palestine” and performing “Hind’s Hall” at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, 2026.
Messina Touring Group said venues warned that shows might not proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.
Sheeran said the promoter and venues, not he, made the final decision, while Robert Kraft confirmed Macklemore would not perform at Gillette Stadium.
Macklemore defended his advocacy for Palestinians and rejected accusations that criticism of Israel or Zionism was antisemitic; critics cited his recent remarks and earlier imagery.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham subsequently withdrew from upcoming tour dates, saying artists should not be silenced for speaking about Palestinian suffering.
- Who
- Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft, Messina Touring Group, four support acts, venue owners, and groups including the Anti-Defamation League and Israeli American Council.
- What
- Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates, and all four other announced support acts later withdrew from upcoming performances.
- When
- Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, 2026; his removal was announced September 14, and Sheeran responded September 15.
- Where
- The disputed performances took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; a key remaining venue was Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- Why
- The promoter said venues objected to Macklemore’s inclusion and threatened not to host the shows, while critics cited concerns about antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Macklemore and Supporting Artists
Venues, Promoter and Critics
Political expression at concerts
Macklemore and Supporting Artists
Macklemore and the departing support acts said musicians should be able to speak about Palestinian suffering, war and oppression. They viewed the removal as silencing artists.
Venues, Promoter and Critics
Sheeran said he prefers concerts to be spaces of safety, connection and diplomacy rather than political forums. Venues and the promoter said Macklemore’s presentation created concerns that threatened the shows.
Antisemitism allegations
Macklemore and Supporting Artists
Macklemore rejected the accusation that his advocacy for Palestinians was antisemitic, arguing that criticism of Israel or opposition to Zionism should not be equated with hatred of Jewish people.
Venues, Promoter and Critics
Robert Kraft, the Anti-Defamation League, Israeli American Council and other critics said Macklemore’s remarks or broader history included rhetoric and imagery hurtful to Jewish people. Critics also cited his 2014 costume, for which he apologized.
Responsibility for the removal
Macklemore and Supporting Artists
Macklemore said Sheeran told him that Kraft had contacted other stadium owners and that venues effectively gave the tour an ultimatum against keeping him.
Venues, Promoter and Critics
Sheeran said the promoter and venues made the final decision after venue objections. Messina Touring Group said retaining Macklemore threatened cancellation of shows, while Kraft confirmed the decision regarding Gillette Stadium but did not directly address the broader pressure claim.
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s The Loop Tour
- Triggering performances
- MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on September 4 and 5, 2026
- Macklemore’s remarks
- He called for a “Free Palestine,” discussed Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and performed “Hind’s Hall.”
- Promoter
- Messina Touring Group, promoter of the U.S. leg
- Venue dispute
- The promoter said venues warned that shows might not proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.
- Sheeran’s position
- Sheeran said removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision, not his, and said he generally avoids using concerts as political forums.
- Subsequent withdrawals
- Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham withdrew from upcoming dates.
- Kraft’s position
- Robert Kraft said Gillette Stadium would not host Macklemore, citing recent comments and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Sources
Ed Sheeran’s US tour loses all support acts after Macklemore’s removal | Controversy explained
Ed Sheeran tour crisis deepens as all four opening acts quit over Macklemore removal
Ed Sheeran drops Macklemore from tour after ‘Free Palestine’ shout
Ed Sheeran tour controversy: Finneas, Aaron Rowe quit after Macklemore is removed over Free Palestine remarks
Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore's Controversial Exit, Clarifies 'Promoter’s Decided' To Remove Rapper
Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore from US concert tour was not his decision
