Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during his opening sets.
The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, had been supporting Sheeran on the singer’s Loop Tour before making political speeches about the war in Gaza during his performances.
During one show, Macklemore told the audience:
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”
He then performed “Hind’s Hall”, his protest song addressing Israel’s military action in Gaza, while footage depicting destruction in Gaza was shown on the venue’s screens.
Macklemore’s comments prompted criticism from Jewish groups, while the rapper subsequently returned to the stage the following night and addressed what he described as his “Jewish brothers and sisters” in the audience.
Macklemore addresses criticism from Jewish fans
During his second appearance, Macklemore sought to distinguish criticism of the Israeli government and its actions from criticism of Jewish people.
“Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you,”
He also said he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know that they had not been forgotten.
Macklemore has previously used his music and live performances to speak publicly about the conflict, with “Hind’s Hall” becoming one of his most prominent political statements.
Macklemore confirms he has been removed from Ed Sheeran tour
Macklemore confirmed on Monday that he had been removed from the US tour after what he described as a week of “difficult conversations” with Sheeran.
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, the rapper said he understood the difficult position Sheeran was facing but maintained his opposition to remaining silent on the conflict.
Macklemore wrote:
“Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed,”
He also said the real victims were Palestinian people in Gaza.
The statement came after his comments from the stage generated controversy and some venues reportedly raised concerns about allowing him to perform.
Venues reportedly raised concerns over Macklemore performances
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone that some venues had indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform.
According to the promoter, this could have led to the cancellation of the tour and affected hundreds of thousands of fans.
The promoter said:
“which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans”.
Macklemore said he empathised with Sheeran’s position, while also criticising what he saw as the consequences of avoiding a public stance.
The rapper’s removal means he will no longer appear as the opening act on the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Ed Sheeran has not commented on Macklemore departure
Sheeran has not yet publicly commented on Macklemore’s departure from the tour.
A replacement opening act has also yet to be announced.
Macklemore’s removal follows a period in which the rapper has increasingly used his platform to speak about Gaza and Palestine, including through “Hind’s Hall”.
The song takes its name from the Columbia University building occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters in 2024 and was released as a statement supporting the Palestinian cause.
The dispute with Sheeran’s tour now leaves Macklemore’s remaining US dates without an announced opening act.
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