Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US tour dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following political statements he made on stage regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a statement from the Messina Touring Group reported by Rolling Stone.
Macklemore Dropped from Ed Sheeran Tour After MetLife Stadium Remarks
The controversy began on September 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten, using the phrase “free Palestine” during a mid-set speech. The remarks prompted a public petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal from the lineup.
Tour Promoter Cites Venue Objections and Cancellation Risks
The Messina Touring Group stated that venues on the upcoming US tour dates notified organizers they would refuse to host concerts featuring Macklemore, warning that keeping him on the bill would force the cancellation of entire shows and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. Following discussions with stakeholders, the promoter decided to drop the rapper from the remaining eight support dates, which include stops in Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa.
Public Reactions and Industry Responses
The decision drew varied reactions across the music industry. The advocacy group StopAntisemitism criticized the artist on Instagram for introducing political messaging to fans, a post that was amplified by singer Pink. Pink clarified in a subsequent post that while she did not call for anyone to be fired or silenced, she felt personally unsettled by the rhetoric.
Macklemore Responds to Tour Removal
Macklemore addressed his removal in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday morning, acknowledging that he, Sheeran, and Pink were not victims and pointing to existing careers and resources. The artist had previously reiterated his message during his second appearance at MetLife Stadium on September 5, telling the crowd that his criticisms were aimed at government policies and military actions rather than individuals.