Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s US tour after several venues objected to his public support for Palestinians.
Key facts
- •Macklemore was scheduled to appear at eight of the 10 remaining shows on the US leg of Sheeran's tour.
- •The tour is set to resume this Friday in Philadelphia.
- •Macklemore stated that Sheeran told him his use of the phrase "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag were perceived as hurtful.
- •The rapper wrote on Instagram that he does not view himself as a victim, stating that the true victims are the Palestinian people.
US rapper Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour on Monday. The tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, stated that several venues refused to host concerts featuring the rapper, warning that his participation could lead to the cancellation of the entire tour. Macklemore, who had been scheduled to perform at eight of the 10 remaining shows, confirmed his removal in a social media post.
Reasons for the removal
The controversy follows Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. During these shows, he wore a keffiyeh and performed his song "Hind's Hall" while displaying footage from the region. Following these appearances, an Israeli-American organization launched a petition calling for his removal from the tour.
Promoter and venue response
Messina Touring Group stated that it was notified by multiple venues that they would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore, noting that the situation risked affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. Venues identified as objecting to his participation include Lincoln Financial Field, Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Raymond James Stadium. Macklemore specifically alleged that Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, contacted Sheeran to demand the rapper's removal.
Timeline
- Earlier this monthMacklemore performed at MetLife Stadium and expressed support for Palestinians.
- MondayMacklemore confirmed his removal from the tour in a social media post.
- This FridayEd Sheeran's tour is scheduled to resume in Philadelphia.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Middle East, RTE News, Daily Sabah.
