Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has sparked a major controversy involving stadium owners, fellow musicians and the rapper’s outspoken support for Palestine.
The dispute began after Macklemore used his opening performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to speak about Gaza and Palestine.
What Macklemore said on stage
According to The Guardian, Macklemore told the crowd on September 4 that part of his reason for joining the tour was to stand inside major stadiums and say “Free Palestine”.
He also performed his protest song Hind’s Hall while images showing destruction in Gaza appeared on screen.
During his second performance on September 5, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members, saying criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people and describing his message as one of peace and equal treatment.
The Israeli American Council later called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour, while New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft confirmed he would not allow the rapper to perform at his stadium.
Macklemore removed from remaining shows
Messina Touring Group, which promotes Sheeran’s US Loop Tour, confirmed that several upcoming venues had said they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.
The promoter said this risked cancelling shows affecting hundreds of thousands of fans and consequently removed Macklemore from his remaining dates.
Macklemore alleged that Kraft helped rally other stadium owners against his involvement. Kraft has confirmed his own decision to block Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, but the claim that he coordinated other venue owners has not been independently established.
Ed Sheeran responds as artists quit
Sheeran later said the decision was ultimately made by the promoter and venues, not him.
He said he spent the week speaking to venues, Kraft, promoters and activists in an attempt to reach a solution.
The fallout then grew.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga all announced they were withdrawing from upcoming tour appearances following Macklemore’s removal.
Macklemore has since pledged $1 million from what he described as his net earnings from the tour to organisations providing assistance to Palestinians.
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