Sheeran says Macklemore removal from tour was promoter's decision

Ed Sheeran stated that the decision to remove rapper Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates of his Loop Tour was made by the tour's promoter, not by him personally. The removal followed Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026. Messina Touring Group, the tour's promoter, confirmed the decision on September 14, stating that venue owners on upcoming tour dates had notified them they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore in the lineup. The promoter said this could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore alleged in a social media statement that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had called Sheeran to bar him from performing at Gillette Stadium and had rallied other stadium owners to threaten to cancel Sheeran's concerts if he remained on the tour. Kraft confirmed he barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing concerns over antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, but did not address the broader allegation of coordinating with other owners.