Ed Sheeran Says Macklemore Removal Was Promoter Decision After Palestine Remarks
Rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's U.S. Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian statements on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4th and 5th. Macklemore called for a free Palestine during his opening sets and performed his protest song Hind's Hall with Gaza imagery. The Israeli-American Council and other pro-Israel organizations petitioned for his removal. Ed Sheeran responded on Instagram saying the decision was made by promoters and venues, not himself, and that he personally avoids political statements. Sheeran wrote he was appalled by the Israel-Palestine conflict but chose not to speak publicly about it. Macklemore claimed billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, had pressured other venue owners to issue an ultimatum. Following Sheeran's statement, several other opening acts including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Key facts
- Macklemore performed pro-Palestine statements at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4-5, 2026 during Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour
- The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for Macklemore's removal from remaining tour dates
- Ed Sheeran responded saying the removal was promoters' decision, not his own, and that he personally avoids public political statements
- Macklemore claimed billionaire Robert Kraft orchestrated pressure from venue owners to remove him from the tour
- Four additional opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore after his removal
- Macklemore specifically addressed Jewish audience members saying his criticism of Israel was not antisemitic
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive sources frame Macklemore as defending free speech and Palestinian rights against powerful political and economic pressure. They argue Sheeran avoided responsibility by claiming it was others' decision, and criticize venue owners and billionaire figures for using their economic power to silence political speech. Supporters emphasize that Macklemore repeatedly clarified his criticism was not antisemitic and that opposing genocide is a moral position.
Right-leaning coverage: Pro-Israel and conservative perspectives emphasize that Macklemore's performance at a commercial concert venue was inappropriate political activism, arguing the rally violated audience expectations for an Ed Sheeran show rather than a protest event. They note that pro-Israel organizations found the messaging offensive and cited selective framing that ignored other perspectives on the conflict. Some suggest Macklemore's language about apartheid and genocide constitutes hate speech against Israel.
Limits of this briefing
Direct statements from venue owners and Robert Kraft regarding their reasoning are limited; Kraft disputed some characterizations but did not fully address allegations of pressure campaigns. Complete details about internal discussions between Sheeran's team and venues are not publicly available.
Sources
- Hollywood Reporter: Ed Sheeran Speaks Out on Dropping Macklemore Over Pro-Palestine Claims Centre
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Ed Sheeran distances himself from decision to pull Macklemore as 3 more pro-Palestinian artists leave his tour Right
- The Nation: Justice for Macklemore Left
- ABC News: Ed Sheeran speaks out after Macklemore dropped from tour over pro-Palestinian comments Centre
- Washington Post: Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine comments Centre