Macklemore has addressed his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his public support for Palestine sparked backlash and reportedly led several venues to object to his participation. In a lengthy Instagram statement Monday, the rapper said he was not a victim of the controversy and argued that the focus should instead remain on Palestinians suffering amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Macklemore said that while celebrities such as himself, Sheeran and Pink may face professional or financial consequences for speaking publicly, they still have careers, resources, safety and families to return to.
Macklemore also alleged that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, contacted Sheeran and said the stadium would not allow Macklemore to perform there. He further claimed that Kraft had rallied other stadium owners and that Sheeran was effectively given a choice between keeping Macklemore on the tour and losing access to those venues. Sheeran’s longtime promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that Macklemore had been removed, saying venues had notified the company that they would not allow concerts to proceed with him on the lineup and that the situation could have resulted in the cancellation of the tour.
Kraft disputed Macklemore’s characterization of the decision, saying Gillette Stadium determined that the rapper’s participation would cross its line regarding hate speech. He cited Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Sheeran’s New Jersey shows and what he described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Kraft stressed that the decision was not intended to diminish Palestinian suffering and said supporting Palestinians should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or ignore Hamas. He also said he would welcome the opportunity to meet with Macklemore to discuss the issue.
Macklemore described Sheeran, whom he has known for 13 years, as a brother and said their recent conversations were difficult but rooted in love and respect. According to Macklemore, Sheeran told him that the phrase “Free Palestine” and the Palestinian flag had been hurtful to people he had spoken with. Macklemore maintained that his support for Palestine should not be confused with antisemitism and argued that refusing to take a side in the conflict does not necessarily constitute neutrality.
The controversy began after Macklemore voiced support for Palestine during his opening set at Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium concert on September 4. The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition calling for his removal from the tour, while Pink also became involved after reposting a call criticizing Macklemore. Pink later explained her position on the Israel-Gaza conflict and referenced past criticism of Macklemore over a 2014 costume that he had apologized for.
Despite their disagreement, Macklemore said he hopes his friendship with Sheeran survives the controversy. He concluded by reaffirming his support for Palestine and saying that although he did not remain on the tour, his two performances gave him an opportunity to deliver a message he believed was important. He argued that losing his place on the tour while bringing renewed attention to the Palestinian cause made the experience meaningful to him. A representative for Sheeran did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
