Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After “Free Palestine” Statements

Macklemore turned Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour into a free speech flashpoint after venues refused to host upcoming concerts with the rapper on the lineup following his public support for Palestinians.

The Grammy-winning artist has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after multiple venues informed promoter Messina Touring Group that concerts featuring Macklemore would not be permitted to move forward, according to Rolling Stone.

The decision follows Macklemore’s appearances at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he used his opening sets to speak about Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and called for a “Free Palestine.”

Messina Touring Group confirmed the decision in an exclusive statement to Rolling Stone.

“As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.”

The development means a political controversy that began onstage in New Jersey has now altered one of the year’s major stadium tours.

Macklemore had been scheduled to appear at upcoming stops including Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The rapper’s MetLife appearances quickly attracted attention beyond the stadium.

Macklemore performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” and used his stage time to address Palestinians. His remarks prompted criticism from several Jewish advocacy organizations. The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition calling on Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour.

Macklemore did not retreat from his position when the criticism intensified.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” Macklemore said during his second MetLife performance. “My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”

His comments drew competing reactions as the discussion moved from the concert stage to a larger argument over politics, entertainment and an artist’s ability to use a commercial platform for advocacy.

READ ALSO: Macklemore Stands Firm On Gaza Message Despite Tour Backlash

Macklemore has made Palestinian advocacy a prominent part of his music and public appearances. “Hind’s Hall” was released in 2024 amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations on American college campuses.

Sheeran has not been identified by Messina Touring Group as the person who demanded Macklemore’s removal. According to the promoter’s statement provided to Rolling Stone, venues hosting upcoming dates said they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.

The available information points to pressure from venues rather than a personal decision by Sheeran to dismiss his opening act.

The stakes extended beyond one performer.

Messina Touring Group said keeping Macklemore on the lineup could have resulted in tour cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.