Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour after 'Free Palestine' remarks - Reuters

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remainder of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour following a series of onstage remarks regarding the conflict in Gaza. The controversy began on September 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the artist, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, told the audience he wanted to express his support for Palestine. During the performance, he played his song Hind's Hall, which criticizes Israel’s military actions, while footage of the situation in Gaza was displayed on the venue's screens.

The rapper’s comments drew criticism from various groups, including the organization StopAntisemitism, which accused him of using the platform to deliver anti-Israel rhetoric. Following the performance, venues scheduled to host the tour expressed concerns regarding his presence on the lineup. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of the tour, stated that they were notified by multiple venues that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore as a supporting act. The promoter noted that continuing with the original lineup would have resulted in the cancellation of tour dates, impacting a large number of fans.

Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, confirmed that he had barred the rapper from performing at his venue. In a statement, Kraft cited what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery as the reason for the decision, stating that appearances at his stadium would cross a line. He clarified that the decision was not intended to diminish the suffering of Palestinians but argued that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the actions of Hamas.

Macklemore addressed the situation in a statement posted to social media, confirming he had been removed from the tour. He alleged that he was informed by Ed Sheeran that Kraft had been instrumental in rallying other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum, threatening to block the tour from their venues if the rapper remained on the bill. While Kraft did not directly address the claim that he had contacted other stadium owners, the rapper maintained that his support for the Palestinian people remained his priority.

In his remarks, Macklemore emphasized that his criticism of Israel and the concept of apartheid was not intended as a criticism of Jewish people. He stated that his primary goal in performing on the tour was to use the platform to advocate for peace and safety for all. Ed Sheeran has not issued a public comment regarding the removal of the opening act, and it remains unclear who, if anyone, will replace Macklemore for the remaining dates of the tour.