Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstage - AP News

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour following comments he made regarding the war in Gaza. The decision follows the rapper's performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, during which he stated "Free Palestine" while on stage.

Macklemore, 43, had been scheduled to serve as the opening act for ten shows on Sheeran’s tour. Following his appearances in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, it was announced that he would no longer perform at the remaining eight scheduled dates. Reports indicate that the removal was prompted by pressure from venue owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who expressed concerns regarding the rapper's criticism of Israel’s military actions.

Ed Sheeran addressed the development on social media, clarifying that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by tour promoters rather than himself. Sheeran stated that he had invited Macklemore to join the tour the previous year out of respect for his artistry and noted that he typically allows his supporting acts to determine their own setlists and stage remarks.

According to Sheeran, the venues scheduled to host the remaining tour dates informed him that they would cancel the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. The singer explained that this ultimatum was a direct response to the rapper's recent public comments.

In his statement, Sheeran expressed that he is appalled by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, characterizing the suffering on both sides as a human tragedy. He added that he believes the pain caused by wars across the world should not be tolerated.