Ed Sheeran and Macklemore.
Ed Sheeran responds to Macklemore 'Free Palestine' ouster
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- Promoters removed Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's US tour following a "Free Palestine" speech at MetLife Stadium.
- Venue owners, including Robert Kraft, refused to host concerts featuring the rapper.
- Sheeran called the tour an apolitical space and noted the decision was the promoter's, while opener Aaron Rowe resigned in protest.
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has responded to public backlash following the removal of American rapper Macklemore from the North American leg of his Loop tour.
The decision by promoter Messina Touring Group came after Macklemore delivered a political speech during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
During the two-minute address between songs, Macklemore told the audience:
"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 two words that are very near and dear to my heart: free Palestine. I said: free Palestine! I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them."
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn
— Macklemore (@macklemore) September 7, 2026
The rapper also performed his protest song Hind's Hall, accompanied by background visuals of destruction in Gaza.
At a subsequent performance the following night, Macklemore clarified his comments to Jewish audience members, stating that "criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you."
Following the speeches, several stadium venue owners—including billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium—along with the Israeli American Council, objected to the rapper remaining on the tour.
Promoters subsequently notified Sheeran that venues would refuse to host the remaining dates if Macklemore performed.
Sheeran defends apolitical stance
In a statement posted to Instagram, Sheeran outlined his perspective, stating he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and calling the suffering on both sides a human tragedy.
Sheeran explained that he had invited Macklemore onto the tour out of artistic respect and allowed him complete autonomy over his set list.
However, after venue owners issued an ultimatum regarding the messaging, Sheeran noted that his efforts to mediate a resolution failed.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran wrote. "I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."
Sheeran addressed criticisms of his neutral stance, explaining that he chooses to keep his platform focused on bringing people together.
"I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep the conversations open, not closed," he added, stating that choosing not to speak publicly did not mean he lacked personal views or cared any less about the conflict.
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Irish opening act withdraws in protest of removal
Hours after Sheeran issued his statement, Irish musician Aaron Rowe, who was scheduled to open for the remaining ten US shows, announced his resignation from the tour.
Rowe acknowledged his personal friendship with Sheeran but stated he could not continue on the bill under the circumstances.
"As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," Rowe wrote on Instagram. "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children."
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The North American tour is scheduled to conclude in November at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
