- WEB DESK
- September 14, 2026
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour over pro-Palestine stance
-
- WEB DESK
- September 14, 2026
US rapper Macklemore has been dropped from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his outspoken support for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 remaining US shows on Sheeran’s stadium tour. However, the promoter, Messina Touring Group, said several venues had informed them that they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.
“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” the promoter said in a statement shared with Rolling Stone.
EXCLUSIVE: Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Onstage 'Free Palestine' Statements
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) September 14, 2026
Story: https://t.co/DBPtbjdO4n pic.twitter.com/RbDTg8yINm
The venues include Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The decision follows Macklemore’s recent performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he openly expressed support for Palestinians and called for a “Free Palestine.”
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine,’” Macklemore told the audience during his first MetLife performance.
“I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them,” he added.
Macklemore also displayed images of devastation in Gaza and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall”, which was inspired by pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.
The rapper later defended his position while addressing criticism from pro-Israel groups and others who objected to his comments.
“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.
“My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality,” he added.
Macklemore has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians for several years and released “Hind’s Hall” in 2024 in support of the pro-Palestinian movement.
His position has also attracted criticism from pro-Israel advocacy groups.
StopAntisemitism accused the rapper of using the concert platform to promote what it called “anti-Israel propaganda”. The Israeli-American Council also launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the remaining tour dates.
Imagine paying $500+ to see Ed Sheeran only to be ambushed by Macklemore’s relentless anti-Israel obsession.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) September 5, 2026
Yes, the same Macklemore who appeared onstage dressed as an Orthodox Jew, complete with an enormous prosthetic nose.
Fans deserve apologies and refunds.
Unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/MWKXb2A8UX
Singer Pink also amplified criticism of Macklemore’s remarks, although she later clarified that she was not calling for him to be silenced or removed from the tour.
Macklemore has since responded to his removal from the tour on social media, maintaining his support for Palestinians and explaining why he continues to speak publicly about the situation in Gaza.
Most of the stadiums reportedly involved in the decision have not publicly explained why they objected to Macklemore performing at their venues.
The North American leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour is scheduled to resume in Philadelphia on September 19 and continue through November 7, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe continuing as support acts.
