Rapper Macklemore says he was removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour after stadium owners, led by Robert Kraft, issued an ultimatum regarding his pro-Palestinian advocacy.

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remainder of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour after venue owners reportedly threatened to cancel shows if he remained on the lineup. Macklemore stated on Instagram that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft personally contacted Sheeran to block him from performing at Gillette Stadium and organized other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues refused to host the concert with Macklemore, citing the risk of tour-wide cancellations.

Conflict Over Onstage Remarks

The controversy follows Macklemore's performances in New Jersey in early September, where he expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, displayed imagery of the conflict, and performed his song "Hind’s Hall." These actions drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, including the Israeli American Council, which petitioned for his removal. Robert Kraft, who is Jewish and a prominent supporter of Israel, stated that the decision was based on a history of rhetoric and imagery he deemed offensive to the Jewish community. Kraft denied that the move was intended to stifle Palestinian advocacy, instead attributing the regional suffering to Hamas.

Tour Promoter and Impact

Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour, stated that they were notified by multiple venues that they would not allow the concert to proceed if Macklemore remained on the lineup. The promoter noted that this situation threatened the viability of the entire tour, which would have impacted hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore, who was scheduled to open for eight of the remaining 10 U.S. shows, stated that he does not blame Sheeran for the decision, acknowledging that the singer was placed in a difficult position.