Rapper Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour lineup following pro-Palestinian statements he made during a recent concert. In the days since, all other scheduled support acts have withdrawn from the tour.
The series of events began during a tour stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. While performing his opening set, Macklemore, whose legal name is Ben Haggerty, called for a “free Palestine” and performed his 2024 song “Hind’s Hall.” The performance included a video backdrop displaying footage of pro-Palestinian student demonstrations and scenes from Gaza.
Following the performance, the organization StopAntisemitism posted on social media accusing Macklemore of using the platform for “anti-Israel propaganda.” The Israeli-American Council also issued a statement calling for his removal from the tour.
Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour. In a public statement, the rapper claimed that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the team’s Gillette Stadium, had pressured Sheeran to remove him. According to Macklemore, Kraft threatened to withdraw his venue from the tour and encouraged others to do the same.
A representative for Sheeran confirmed that multiple venues had raised objections to Macklemore’s continued participation. Kraft, founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, has a documented relationship with Sheeran.
Sheeran addressed the situation in his own statement, writing that the decision to remove Macklemore was not his and that he was “deeply disappointed” by it. He did not take a public position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing the “suffering and pain caused on both sides” as a “human tragedy.” He added that he wanted his concerts to be places of “safety and sanctuary” for all attendees.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) responded to Sheeran’s statement, asserting that it “attempts to ’both-sides’ Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.”
In the days following Macklemore’s removal, all other supporting artists for the U.S. tour announced their withdrawal. The list of artists includes Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and Aaron Rowe.
Public figures have also commented on the events. Musician Paloma Faith, who performed with Sheeran at a 2022 concert for Ukraine, questioned the distinction in a television interview. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told TMZ that the incident raised concerns about free speech and the influence of venue owners.
In separate announcements, Macklemore pledged $1 million from his tour earnings to humanitarian organizations in Gaza. Sheeran and Kraft each announced they would donate $2 million for “aid in the region.”
Sheeran is scheduled to continue the tour, performing solo.
