KEY POINT
- Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US support dates on Sheeran’s tour.
- Venues reportedly told promoter Messina Touring Group they would not host shows with Macklemore on the lineup.
- The decision followed his “Free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran’s US Loop Tour, confirmed Monday that venues on upcoming dates had informed the company they would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore.
The promoter said keeping him on the lineup could have resulted in tour cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.Following discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will therefore not appear on the remaining support dates, according to the statement reported by Rolling Stone.
The dispute began during the opening night at MetLife Stadium, where Macklemore addressed the crowd before Sheeran’s performance. He said one reason he wanted to join the tour was to use stadium stages to publicly say, “Free Palestine,” and spoke about people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
His remarks quickly generated opposition. The Israeli American Council launched a petition seeking his removal from the US tour, while singer Pink also reshared a post supporting the call. Pink later explained that she objected to Macklemore using the concert setting while displaying war-related imagery and addressing Jewish attendees.
Macklemore has previously made Palestinian advocacy part of his music. In 2024, he released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song that criticized Israel’s military actions and expressed support for Palestinians. He also performed the song before Sheeran’s set at MetLife Stadium.
The rapper attempted to distinguish criticism of Israel from criticism of Jewish people during his second MetLife appearance. He told Jewish fans that opposing Israel’s policies, apartheid and genocide was not intended as criticism of them.
He later reinforced that position on X, writing that wanting equal treatment for all people should not be controversial.
Sheeran’s next Loop Tour performance is scheduled for Sept. 19 in Philadelphia. Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, who had been sharing opening duties with Macklemore, are set to perform.
Sheeran’s US schedule currently runs through Nov. 7, followed by Latin American dates with Finneas as the opener.Billboard reported that it had contacted representatives for both Macklemore and Sheeran for comment.
