Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour in the US
In the United States, rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining performances of the US leg of British singer Ed Sheeran's stadium tour. The artist announced this on Instagram, linking the decision to his statements in support of Palestine and the words “Free Palestine” during a concert on September 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
As France 24 English reports, Macklemore also said that he had difficult conversations with Sheeran during the previous week. Sheeran himself did not comment publicly on the situation at the time.
Promoters' decision
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the US part of the tour, told Rolling Stone that the owners of venues for upcoming concerts had informed organizers that they would not allow shows featuring Macklemore to take place. After discussions with stakeholders, the rapper will not perform on the remaining tour dates as a supporting artist.
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According to Variety, Macklemore was due to perform at eight of the 10 concerts remaining on Sheeran's tour. Concerts were scheduled to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.
Statements by Macklemore and Kraft
Macklemore has long supported Palestine and criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. In 2024, he released the protest song Hind’s Hall in support of pro-Palestinian demonstrators and in memory of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza. Israeli military officials said last month that they had opened a criminal investigation into her death.
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling on Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour. The rapper said that New England Patriots owner, billionaire Robert Kraft, had enlisted the support of some stadium owners and told Sheeran that they would not allow Macklemore to perform at their venues. In a comment to US media, Kraft said that he devotes a significant portion of his time to fighting hatred and antisemitism and considers it his duty to respond when, in his view, a line has been crossed. Macklemore denied antisemitism and said that equating criticism of Israel's actions with antisemitism is intended to avoid Israel's accountability.
