British singer Ed Sheeran clarified that the decision to drop rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour over pro-Palestinian remarks came from concert promoters and venues, not him. Macklemore claimed stadium owners, led by Robert Kraft, forced the removal, sparking a high-profile clash between touring politics and venue control.
The controversy centers on the rapper’s September 5 performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where he paused his set to perform his protest song "Hind’s Hall" and shouted Free Palestine!
During the concert, Macklemore addressed the crowd directly: "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you."
Promoters and Venues Issue the Ultimatum
Ed Sheeran Says Dropping Macklemore From His Tour Wasn't
According to the reporting surrounding the dispute, the Messina Touring Group and multiple U.S. venues determined that Macklemore could no longer remain on the bill. The tour promoter stated that venues would not allow the concerts to proceed with Macklemore performing, which "would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans."
Macklemore offered a more direct account of the pressure campaign on Instagram, stating that New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft told Sheeran that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at the stadium.
"Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues," Macklemore wrote on Instagram. He added that Sheeran was in a "**-up position" and that Sheeran’s "typical apolitical stance was being challenged."
Kraft confirmed in a statement that he wouldn’t allow Macklemore to perform at his stadium, saying the decision was a result of his recent comments "and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." Kraft added that he has been focused on "the fight against antisemitism."
Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on the Fallout
Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore over rapper's pro-Palestinian comments
Faced with mounting scrutiny over the tour’s roster change, Sheeran took to Instagram on Tuesday to distance himself from the removal decision. He emphasized that Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not him. Sheeran stated, "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine." He added that he would never let down fans who had made plans, nor abandon the touring crew and other support acts and musicians who rely on him for work and to make a living.
Sheeran also addressed his own stance on the conflict, stating that he is "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine." He wrote, "The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated."
At the same time, the British pop star defended his choice to remain publicly reserved about political matters during his performances, stating that he is "not complicit" and has his own views regarding the violence. "Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way," Sheeran wrote.
Sheeran explained that he spoke with the venues at length all week to try to build a bridge, but that the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final. "I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too," he wrote.
The Tour Reconfigures as Dates Approach
Macklemore was originally scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 shows Sheeran has remaining on his stadium tour. Following the intervention by venues and promoters, the tour resumes Saturday in Philadelphia, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe now on the bill. Subsequent stadium stops are slated for venues including Gillette Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.