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Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The change followed the rapper’s “Free Palestine” remarks during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour controversy grew after several organizations criticized the rapper’s comments. Multiple venues then reportedly refused to host shows with Macklemore on the lineup.
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour Dates
Messina Touring Group, which promotes the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour, confirmed Macklemore’s removal Monday.
The promoter said upcoming venues had informed organizers that they would not permit concerts featuring Macklemore. Keeping him on the lineup could have caused cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans, the company said.
“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone.
Macklemore had been scheduled to appear at eight of the final 10 U.S. shows. The Loop Tour continues without him, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe remaining as supporting performers.
Sheeran had not issued a separate personal statement about the decision as of Monday.
“Free Palestine” Remarks Draw Criticism
Macklemore joined the tour for two shows at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4 and 5. During his opening sets, he expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Grammy-winning rapper told the audience that people in the region had not been forgotten. He then called for a “free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a song supporting Palestinian activism.
The Israeli-American Council later launched a petition calling for his removal. The organization argued that Macklemore used another artist’s tour to present a one-sided political message.
The Anti-Defamation League also criticized the performance, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Macklemore responded that supporting Palestinian rights should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He said his message focused on equal treatment, safety and freedom.
Rapper Responds to Removal
Macklemore addressed the decision in a lengthy social media statement Monday. He confirmed that he would no longer appear on the remaining tour dates.
“I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” Macklemore wrote. He said the consequences facing successful performers should not overshadow Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.
The rapper also said he had spoken privately with Sheeran about the controversy. Macklemore indicated that some people considered his language and use of the Palestinian flag hurtful.
However, Macklemore did not withdraw his position. He has regularly spoken about Palestinian issues during concerts and public appearances since 2023.
Arlington Concert Among Affected Shows
Macklemore had been listed as a special guest for Sheeran’s Oct. 24 performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The stadium’s original event announcement named Macklemore, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe as supporting acts.
His removal means North Texas ticket holders should no longer expect him to perform. The main concert remains scheduled, according to the official Loop Tour calendar.
Other affected venues include stadiums in Philadelphia, Foxborough, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte and Tampa.
The tour is scheduled to conclude Nov. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. A South American leg will follow later in November and December.
Concertgoers should review updated event listings before attending. Support acts can change, and ticket holders should contact their authorized seller with questions about individual purchases.