Macklemore has been booted off Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour after his “Free Palestine” remarks sparked backlash at recent shows.
The Grammy-winning rapper was removed from the remaining U.S. dates he was scheduled to open after multiple venues told tour promoter Messina Touring Group they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.
The decision followed Macklemore’s performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, where he spoke about Palestinians before performing his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this” and say “Free Palestine,” he told the crowd.
Macklemore later claimed New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped rally opposition among stadium owners. Kraft confirmed he did not want Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, saying he felt “a responsibility to stand up when I believe that line has been crossed.” He did not address Macklemore’s claim that he coordinated with other owners.
The Israeli-American Council had also launched a petition seeking Macklemore’s removal.