Ed Sheeran has stated that it was not his decision to remove rapper Macklemore from his current US tour. Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, was removed from the lineup after making pro-Palestinian statements during two concerts in New Jersey.
These comments drew criticism from Jewish groups, leading some venues to pressure the tour promoters, Messina Touring Group, to remove him from the bill. Sheeran explained in an Instagram statement that he had spoken with the venues at length in an attempt to "build a bridge," but that the promoters ultimately made the decision. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran wrote. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."
Sheeran also addressed his personal approach to political issues, emphasizing that his silence on stage does not indicate a lack of personal views or care. "I am not complicit," he wrote. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care."
He further explained his reasoning for not using his professional platform for political discourse, citing the presence of young audiences, including children, of all backgrounds at his shows. "Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: Peace."
Controversy Erupts After Pro-Palestinian Statements
The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore addressed the audience at Ed Sheeran's concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He stated, "A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine." He then performed his song "Hind's Hall," dedicated to pro-Palestinian protestors at Columbia University and critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Video footage of destruction in Gaza was displayed on screen during the performance.
Following the performance, criticism emerged online. The Israeli American Council initiated a petition calling for his removal from the tour, and the campaign group StopAntisemitism accused the musician of ambushing fans with propaganda. Pop star Pink reposted this claim on Instagram.
The following night, Macklemore directly addressed members of the Jewish community in the audience, stating, "Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you." He expressed a desire for people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. Israel maintains that its military operations are defensive and conducted in accordance with international law, rejecting accusations of genocide. The current conflict began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 73,780 people have been killed during Israel's subsequent military campaign in the territory.
Promoters Confirm Removal Amid Venue Pressure
After days of media attention, Macklemore announced on Instagram that he had been dropped from the tour. He indicated that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, was instrumental in the decision. Kraft, who has previously hired Sheeran for private events, stated that his venue would not "provide a platform for hate speech" and accused the rapper of a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric." Kraft also commented, "I agree with Macklemore, too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate."
Messina Touring Group confirmed to Rolling Stone that venues had informed them they would not permit Macklemore to perform, a situation that could have led to the cancellation of the tour, impacting hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore expressed empathy for Sheeran's position but criticized the singer for not taking a more definitive stance. "Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I've lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed," Macklemore stated. He concluded by saying that if his words helped redirect the conversation back to Palestine, the tour was the most successful he had experienced, despite only completing two shows.