English singer Ed Sheeran stated that concert promoters made the final decision to drop Macklemore from his US tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian stage remarks, according to statements reported by Global News and ABC News.
Tour Promoter Decision and Venue Pushback
Ed Sheeran clarified on social media that Macklemore’s removal was handled entirely by promoters and venue management rather than by personal choice, according to Global News and ABC News. Sheeran explained that after his New Jersey performances earlier in the month, upcoming tour venues communicated they would cancel the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
According to ABC News, Sheeran engaged in direct talks with promoters, activists on both sides, and venue owners—including Robert Kraft, head of the Kraft Group and owner of Gillette Stadium—to seek a resolution. Kraft publicly stated that a Macklemore performance would cross a line, according to ESPN and ABC News. Despite these discussions, Sheeran stated that the venues’ and promoter’s final decision stood, noting that Macklemore’s touring contract was held with the promoter, not with Sheeran directly, as reported by Global News.
Macklemore’s Response and Tour Exit
Macklemore stated on social media that his removal followed an ultimatum delivered by venue owners, according to ABC News and The Guardian. The rapper explained that during his MetLife Stadium performance, he addressed the crowd and used the phrase “Free Palestine” and displayed a Palestinian flag. Macklemore asserted that Sheeran told him the language and imagery were viewed as hurtful by individuals consulted by the tour, as reported by ABC News.
Macklemore defended his stage remarks in his public statement, pushing back against accusations of antisemitism by arguing that opposing Zionism should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people, according to ABC News. He was originally scheduled to perform eight additional shows alongside Sheeran before being dropped from the lineup, according to Variety and ABC News.
Supporting Acts Withdraw From Tour
Following Macklemore’s departure, multiple supporting acts—including Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Beoga, and Lukas Graham—withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity, according to CBC and ABC News.
Sheeran addressed his own apolitical stance in his public statement, explaining that his concerts attract young audiences and families of all backgrounds who do not attend a music performance expecting a political forum, according to ABC News. Sheeran also stated that he respects Macklemore’s conviction, noting there are multiple approaches to achieving peace, according to ABC News and Global News.