Ed Sheeran responds after Macklemore’s removal over pro-Palestine remarks
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Arts & Entertainment Desk
British pop star Ed Sheeran has said the decision to remove American rapper Macklemore from the remaining US dates of his Loop Tour was made by the tour promoter and venues, after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during two concerts in New Jersey.
Macklemore, best known for hits including “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us”, was performing as one of Sheeran’s opening acts at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. During the shows, he spoke in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, repeatedly saying “Free Palestine”.
He also performed “Hind’s Hall”, his 2024 protest song supporting pro-Palestinian demonstrators and criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza. The performances drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, including the Israeli-American Council, which launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.
On Monday, Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the US leg of Sheeran’s tour, announced that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining support dates. The promoter said venues on upcoming tour dates had indicated that they would not allow concerts to go ahead with Macklemore on the lineup.
Macklemore had been scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining 10 US stadium shows. The tour is due to resume in Philadelphia on September 19.
Macklemore subsequently said that he and Sheeran had held several difficult conversations about the situation. He also alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had rallied stadium owners against him after his comments. Kraft said he believed a line had been crossed in relation to hate and antisemitism. Macklemore has denied being antisemitic and defended his criticism of Israel.
Sheeran had not previously commented publicly on the dispute. In a statement posted Tuesday, he said he had spent the week speaking with venues, promoters and activists from both sides in an attempt to find a resolution.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said. He added that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, not with him.
Sheeran said he respected Macklemore as an artist and had agreed to let his support acts choose their own setlists. But he said he did not want his concerts to become political forums.
“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran said, adding that he had personal views on the conflict but had chosen not to express them publicly through his professional platform.
He said his concerts were intended to bring people from different backgrounds together and provide “a place of safety and sanctuary”.
“I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change,” Sheeran said.
The dispute has since widened beyond Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga, who were among the remaining supporting acts, have announced that they will withdraw from upcoming dates in solidarity with Macklemore.
