Liberal lawmakers, activists rally behind Macklemore after Sheeran tour removal over 'Free Palestine' stance
Macklemore Dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour After Pro‑Palestine Statements
The rapper Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” on Monday, after venue owners and the tour promoter declined to host him because of his public support for Palestine.
Macklemore had opened several shows on the tour with a performance of his anti‑Israel song “Hind’s Hall” and had repeatedly called for a “Free Palestine.” The artist was slated to perform at eight of the ten remaining U.S. dates, with the final two shows slated for September 25‑26 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. The decision to drop him came after Gillette Stadium owner and New England Patriots president Robert Kraft sent a letter to Sheeran’s team saying the venue would not allow Macklemore to perform because of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” he had used in the past and on the stage. Kraft added that the decision was not about denying anyone the right to advocate for Palestinians, but about protecting the stadium’s commitment to a welcoming environment for all guests.
After Kraft’s letter, the Messina Touring Group – the promoter of the U.S. leg of the tour – issued a statement to Rolling Stone saying it had been notified by venues that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore in the lineup. The statement read that, “after discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.” The tour’s remaining dates, including the Gillette Stadium shows, were therefore cancelled for the artist.
Macklemore addressed the move on Instagram, stating that he had been “removed” because of Kraft’s ultimatum. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” he wrote. “Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave me an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
The controversy has drawn responses from a range of political and cultural figures. Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington posted on X (formerly Twitter) expressing disappointment at Macklemore’s removal and praising his willingness to speak out for Palestinians. “It’s so incredibly disappointing that Macklemore, my constituent, was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour because of his comments in support of the Palestinian people. Thank you, Macklemore, for speaking up,” she wrote. “This is a moment for us to come together, find our moral conscience as a nation, and end this genocide.”
Representative Ro Khanna of California also expressed support, writing on X, “Admire your courage, Macklemore!” Former “The View” co‑host Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo of her own Instagram story in solidarity with the rapper, adding the hashtag #GENOCIDE. Pop‑band MUNA shared an Instagram story calling the move “utterly pathetic” and offering solidarity. Hollywood In Toto Podcast host Christian Toto criticized lawmakers who had remained silent in other celebrity controversies, suggesting that the situation could have been handled by setting clearer boundaries for opening acts.
Macklemore’s removal has sparked a broader debate over free speech and the political neutrality of touring musicians. Some observers point out that Sheeran’s team has not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, and no statement has been issued by the artist himself. The incident underscores the growing tension between artists’ public statements on contentious geopolitical issues and the expectations of venue owners and promoters.
For now, Macklemore will not appear at the final U.S. stops of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The tour will proceed without the rapper, and the Gillette Stadium shows will continue as scheduled with the headline act but no opening performer. The incident remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over artistic expression, venue policy, and the intersection of politics and entertainment.