Rapper Macklemore was dropped from the remainder of Ed Sheeran’s US tour after billionaire Robert Kraft orchestrated his removal following a politically charged speech regarding Palestine, according to statements released by the artist and venue operators in September 2024.
Robert Kraft Orchestrates Tour Removal Following Ultimatums
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, revealed in an Instagram statement that Ed Sheeran informed him of a coordinated effort led by Robert Kraft to remove him from eight of the final ten shows of the LOOP Tour.
The Catalyst: MetLife Stadium Speeches
The backlash stemmed from Macklemore’s performances on September 4 and 5, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he addressed crowds with a “Free Palestine” message and criticized military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Following petitions to drop the rapper, Gillette Stadium issued a formal defense of the decision.
Tour Fallout and Solidarity Withdrawals
Following Macklemore’s ousting from the tour—which was promoted on the American side by AEG Presents, according to CBC—supporting acts withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour dates in solidarity. Macklemore noted in his statement that while his 13-year friendship with Sheeran was strained by the disagreement, he did not hold his fellow artist personally responsible for the ultimatum issued by venue ownership.
Worth a look