Why Macklemore Was Removed From Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Tour After His “Free Palestine” Remarks

Macklemore joined Ed Sheeran for the first two U.S. shows of the Loop Tour on Sept. 4‑5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He was scheduled to open the remaining eight American dates before being dropped.

Messina Touring Group, the U.S. promoter, said venues warned they would cancel the shows if Macklemore remained, so the group announced his removal from the eight remaining dates.

During the MetLife performances, Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine,” wore a black‑and‑white keffiyeh, and voiced support for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli American Council (IAC) launched a petition demanding his removal, and the promoter said the decision came after “discussions with stakeholders,” citing the venues’ refusal to host him.

Macklemore later blamed NFL owner Robert Kraft, saying Kraft told him Gillette Stadium would not allow his performance and urged other stadium owners to threaten cancellations. Kraft responded that Gillette Stadium “does not provide a platform for hate speech.”

The episode shows how venue owners, advocacy groups and other powerful stakeholders can shape a concert’s lineup when an artist makes a political statement onstage.

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