American rapper Macklemore has spoken about his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during his opening set.
Macklemore described the tour as his “most successful tour” if his performances helped return attention to Palestine.
In an Instagram post on September 14, Macklemore said Sheeran and his team had decided to remove him from the remaining shows. He also said he did not consider himself a victim and did not blame Sheeran or Pink.
Macklemore claimed that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, contacted Sheeran about his participation in the tour. He said Kraft also contacted other stadium owners and urged them to take the same position.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said multiple venues would not allow Macklemore to perform. Sheeran later said the promoter and venues made the final decision, not him.
Difficult position
Macklemore said he understood Sheeran’s position. He acknowledged the singer’s desire to remain publicly apolitical and the possible consequences of taking political positions on tour.
However, Macklemore said he did not believe artists could remain neutral on the issue.
He also pointed out that he had discussed Palestine publicly for several years. The difference this time, he said, was the size of the audience and his position on a major artist’s tour.
Macklemore argued that his appearance on the tour gave the message a larger platform.
“Maybe that’s why this time it became important to silence me,” he said.
The rapper also said he did not need to perform all 10 remaining shows.
Instead, he valued the opportunity to use the stage to say “Free Palestine”.
Macklemore described that outcome as the most successful tour of his career because it brought attention back to Palestine.
His comments followed his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During the show, he encouraged the crowd to chant “Free Palestine” while performing “Hind’s Hall”, his 2024 protest song.
Macklemore made similar remarks during his second MetLife Stadium performance on September 5. The performances later drew significant attention and contributed to calls for his removal from the tour.
Ed Sheeran answers back
Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal in a statement on September 15.
Sheeran said the decision came from the tour promoter and venue owners rather than from him. He said several venues had objected to Macklemore appearing at their shows.
The singer added that he spent the week speaking with venue owners and trying to find a solution. Those efforts did not change the final decision.
Sheeran said he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine”. He also described the suffering and pain on both sides as a human tragedy.
At the same time, Sheeran said he did not want to abandon fans, touring staff, musicians or other support acts.
The singer also explained why he avoids political statements during his concerts. His audience includes people from many backgrounds, including young fans.
Sheeran said concertgoers do not attend his shows expecting a political forum.
He added that he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak about Palestine. However, Sheeran said he preferred to use his own platform differently.
The dispute has since affected other performers on the tour. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga later announced that they would withdraw from upcoming dates. They cited support for Macklemore and concerns about the circumstances surrounding his removal.
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