Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Exit From US Tour Over Palestine Remarks
Ed Sheeran said promoter and venue concerns led to Macklemore’s removal from his US tour after the rapper publicly supported Palestinians.
Ed Sheeran has addressed the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his US tour, saying the decision was made by the tour promoter after several venues objected to Macklemore’s public comments supporting Palestinians. Sheeran said he had attempted to find a solution but was ultimately unable to reverse the decision.
In a statement shared on social media, Sheeran said he was concerned about the Israel-Palestine conflict but generally does not use his concerts as a political platform. He said his shows should remain spaces where people from different backgrounds can feel safe and engage in dialogue, while acknowledging Macklemore’s decision to publicly advocate for what he believes.
The dispute began after Macklemore spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank during a September 4 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium and said “Free Palestine” while performing his protest song Hind’s Hall. His remarks drew criticism from some Jewish and pro-Israel groups, while calls were made for him to be removed from Sheeran’s tour.
Macklemore has rejected accusations that his comments were antisemitic. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, confirmed that he pressured Sheeran over Macklemore’s participation, citing the rapper’s remarks and what he described as a broader history of controversial rhetoric and imagery.
The controversy intensified when all four remaining support acts—Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas—withdrew from upcoming tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore. The dispute has since expanded into a broader debate over artistic expression, political speech and the influence of concert venues.
