Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine remarks

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed the decision on Monday, September 14, stating that venues had notified them they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup. The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore told the crowd at MetLife Stadium that he wanted to "stand up here on stages and stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine." He then performed his 2024 protest song "Hinds Hall," which includes footage from Gaza and references the death of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in 2024. He repeated similar remarks the following night. Macklemore was scheduled to open for eight of the 10 remaining shows on the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour. In a lengthy Instagram statement posted on Monday, the rapper said Sheeran and his team made the decision to remove him.