nuSep 14, 2026, 18:20

Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour following controversy over Gaza comments

Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour following public outcry over the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements during a concert in New Jersey. Organizers stated that his presence threatened the viability of the remaining tour dates, leading to his removal to avoid widespread cancellations.

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s upcoming stadium tour following significant backlash over his public comments regarding the situation in Gaza. During a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine" and performed his song Hind’s Hall, which features imagery of destruction in Gaza. This sparked a campaign led by the Israeli-American Council, which demanded his removal from the tour, citing potential concert cancellations if he remained on the lineup.

Organizers confirmed that allowing the rapper to continue would have jeopardized the remainder of the tour, affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. In response, Macklemore emphasized that he and Sheeran are not the victims in this situation, but rather the Palestinians. He expressed a desire to maintain his friendship with Sheeran and remains committed to raising awareness about the conflict, suggesting that their disagreement is a complex matter of personal perspective and accountability.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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