Macklemore Removal from Sheeran Tour Sparks Backlash

Rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestine statements during opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4th and 5th, 2026. The decision, announced by tour promoter Messina Touring Group, cited demands from venues that would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, threatening tour cancellation. Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy in a statement, saying the removal was made by promoters and venues, not by him, and that he attempted to find a resolution to keep Macklemore on the tour. He stated he was appalled by the suffering in both Israel and Palestine but chose not to use his platform for politics to offer sanctuary to fans of all backgrounds. Macklemore, in his own statement, claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and other stadium owners gave Sheeran an ultimatum: drop Macklemore or the tour would be canceled. He said Kraft rallied other owners to enforce this demand, leaving Sheeran in a difficult position. Macklemore emphasized that he did not blame Sheeran but highlighted the broader issue of silencing voices for Palestine.