Pop star Ed Sheeran has addressed the removal of US rapper Macklemore from the remainder of his upcoming US tour dates, clarifying that the decision came from the concert promoter and venue stakeholders following a wave of controversy over pro-Palestinian stage remarks. According to reports from major news outlets, the dispute stems from comments Macklemore made during early September 2026 performances on the Loop tour.
Tour Promoter Confirms Venue Pushback and Lineup Changes
The Messina Touring Group, which promotes the US leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour, told Rolling Stone that upcoming concert venues refused to host events featuring Macklemore on the bill. Promoters warned that keeping the rapper on the lineup would force total tour cancellations and impact hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.
Macklemore was slated to support Sheeran for eight of the remaining ten dates on the US itinerary, which is scheduled to resume on September 19, 2026, in Philadelphia. In a detailed Instagram statement released on Monday morning, Macklemore confirmed his removal by Sheeran and his team, while emphasizing that none of the involved artists are victims given their global platforms and security.
Stage Remarks and Resulting Petitions
The controversy ignited on September 4, 2026, during the tour’s opening stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During a two-minute speech between songs, the Grammy-winning artist told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten, before vocalizing the phrase “free Palestine.” He also performed his protest track “Hind’s Hall” and criticized US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The remarks immediately drew sharp pushback from advocacy groups and public figures. The Israeli American Council launched a petition demanding Macklemore’s removal from the tour, arguing that artists should not use global concert platforms to advance one-sided political agendas. Meanwhile, the organization StopAntisemitism accused the rapper of ambushing fans with anti-Israel propaganda—a post that was amplified by singer Pink, who stated that Macklemore’s remarks had frightened Jewish fans.
Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and owner of Gillette Stadium, informed Sheeran that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform in his venue. Kraft stated that Gillette Stadium is committed to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere free from hate speech, though he did not specify which exact remarks crossed that line.
Ed Sheeran Defends Neutrality While Acknowledging Personal Stance
In his first public comments on the matter, Ed Sheeran explained via Instagram that he spent days speaking with venue representatives, tour promoters, and activists on both sides in an unsuccessful search for a compromise. Sheeran emphasized that the removal was executed by the tour promoter rather than his personal choice.
“If we only focus on who yells the loudest, nothing will ever change,” Sheeran wrote, adding that he strives to keep his concerts a safe haven for young fans from all backgrounds. While expressing horror at the ongoing Middle East conflict and noting that he maintains his own private opinions on the matter, Sheeran stated that he chooses not to use his stage for political messaging.
During his second appearance at MetLife Stadium on September 5, 2026, Macklemore attempted to address concerns directly, telling Jewish members of the audience that criticizing Israeli government policy or opposing genocide was not a criticism of them personally, framing his message around universal peace and human dignity.
The tour will proceed without Macklemore as it heads to Philadelphia for its September 19 resumption.
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