Macklemore Ousted From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Pro‑Palestine Remarks

During a September 4 show at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore stepped up to the mic and shouted, “Free Palestine,” a line that has been part of his public activism for years. The crowd gave a mixed reaction – a handful of cheers, a few jeers, and even a few people who walked out.

Within days, the Messina Touring Group, which handles the logistics for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, issued a terse statement. According to the group, several venues had warned they would not host a concert if Macklemore remained on the bill, and that continuing his presence would jeopardize the entire tour and disappoint hundreds of thousands of fans.

The controversy blew up on social media when pop‑rock veteran Pink reposted a warning from the anti‑defamation group StopAntisemitism, calling Macklemore’s remarks “anti‑Israel propaganda.” Pink later clarified that she didn’t write the inflammatory wording herself but still believes Palestinians deserve a future “that honors their humanity,” while also condemning Hamas.

In a lengthy Instagram response, Macklemore didn’t point fingers at Sheeran or Pink. Instead, he singled out New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also owns Gillette Stadium. Macklemore claimed Kraft called Ed Sheeran, warned that the rapper would be barred from the Patriots’ home venue, and then rallied other stadium owners to do the same – essentially giving Sheeran an ultimatum: drop Macklemore or lose access to multiple arenas.

Ed Sheeran, known for keeping politics out of his shows, reportedly tried to navigate the fallout, telling Macklemore that many fans found the “Free Palestine” chant hurtful. Macklemore pushed back, saying that the pain of tens of thousands of Palestinian children killed in Gaza outweighed any discomfort a phrase might cause.

Robert Kraft confirmed to TMZ that he had objected to Macklemore’s appearance, citing Gillette Stadium’s “commitment to a welcoming environment” and a personal focus on fighting antisemitism and hate speech. The statement hinted at a broader industry debate about where the line is drawn between free expression and perceived hate.

For now, Macklemore’s spot on the Loop Tour is gone, and fans who bought tickets for upcoming dates will have to wait for a refund or a reshuffled lineup. The episode adds another chapter to the ongoing cultural clash surrounding the Israel‑Palestine conflict in the world of popular music.