Macklemore has stated that he and Ed Sheeran experienced a "painful disagreement" regarding the rapper's "Free Palestine" speech, which he claims led to his subsequent removal from Sheeran's "The Loop" tour. The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, shared on Instagram that he and Sheeran, a friend of 13 years, engaged in difficult conversations that, despite being rooted in love and respect, ended in fundamental disagreement.
Macklemore alleged that Sheeran informed him last week that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had contacted Sheeran. According to Macklemore, Kraft stated that he would not allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium and had also rallied other stadium owners, presenting Sheeran with an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the tour, Sheeran would be barred from playing in their venues.
Macklemore further claimed that Sheeran told him the phrase "Free Palestine" and images of the Palestinian flag were offensive to many people he had spoken with. The rapper stated he responded to Sheeran by saying that if those words were more offensive than the deaths of thousands of Palestinian children, there was a significant disconnect. He characterized Sheeran as being in a "f--ked up position," with his "typical apolitical stance being challenged." Macklemore concluded his statement by expressing hope for continued dialogue and emphasizing that their 13-year friendship would not be erased by this disagreement.
In response, Robert Kraft issued a statement asserting that Gillette Stadium has a commitment to a welcoming environment and that events should not provide a platform for hate speech. He stated that due to Macklemore's "recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community," Macklemore's participation in upcoming concerts would cross that line. Kraft clarified that this decision was not intended to diminish the suffering of Palestinians but argued that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure Hamas's responsibility.
Kraft also mentioned his own long-standing efforts to support Palestine and create opportunities there, asserting that standing with the Palestinian people and against Hamas, antisemitism, and hate should not be mutually exclusive. He expressed a responsibility to speak out when he believes a line has been crossed and offered to meet with Macklemore to discuss the situation.
Rolling Stone reported that Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, confirmed that venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup. This would have resulted in tour cancellations. Consequently, Macklemore was removed from the remaining support dates.
Macklemore had reportedly used the phrase "Free Palestine" and displayed images of devastation in Gaza during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Venues that reportedly declined to host Macklemore due to his political stance included stadiums in Tampa, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, and Foxborough. Macklemore was scheduled to perform on eight of the ten remaining U.S. tour dates.