American rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining United States dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following backlash over his pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium.
During his opening performances earlier this month, Macklemore led concertgoers in chants of “Free Palestine” before performing “Hind’s Hall”, his protest song condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and supporting pro-Palestinian activism.
Macklemore said in a statement that Sheeran later informed him that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium. He alleged that other stadium owners subsequently supported an ultimatum requiring his removal from the tour.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that venues hosting the remaining concerts would not accept Macklemore on the line-up. The promoter said retaining him could have resulted in shows being cancelled, affecting hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.
Macklemore defended his decision to use the stadium tour to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians, saying the opportunity to address such large audiences carried a responsibility to speak out.
The rapper said he did not resent Sheeran but was disappointed by the decision and remained committed to advocating for Palestinian rights.
Kraft said Macklemore’s performance had promoted rhetoric he considered offensive to the Jewish community. He maintained that supporting Palestinians should not come at the expense of Jewish people, while offering to meet the rapper for a discussion.
Sheeran has not publicly commented on Macklemore’s removal. The remaining US concerts are expected to continue with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe among the supporting performers.
