Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remainder of Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour following backlash over his "Free Palestine" speech during recent performances.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, stated in an Instagram post that Sheeran informed him that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the NFL's New England Patriots, orchestrated his removal. According to Macklemore, Kraft "rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues."
The rapper was scheduled to open for Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten shows on the "Mathematics Tour" (also referred to as the LOOP Tour). His removal comes after he delivered a politically charged speech supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank during his sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. During these performances, Macklemore also played his song "Hind's Hall," which criticizes actions in Gaza, with footage of the region displayed on the screen behind him.
Macklemore stated that Sheeran felt he was in a "fucked up position" and could not reconcile his typical apolitical stance with the controversy. Sheeran reportedly told Macklemore that the phrase "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag were offensive to many people he spoke with. Macklemore countered that such words were less offensive than the deaths of Palestinian children and questioned the definition of neutrality in the conflict.
Robert Kraft issued a statement defending the decision, saying Macklemore "crossed a line." Kraft cited Macklemore's recent actions, "material shared from the stage," and "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community" as reasons for blocking his participation at Gillette Stadium. Macklemore, in his statement, addressed the Jewish community, asserting that criticism of Israel, apartheid, or genocide is not a criticism of Jewish people.
The promoter for Sheeran's tour, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues stated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, which threatened tour cancellations. "After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates," a spokesperson told Rolling Stone.
Macklemore acknowledged that he has "lost" money, brand deals, sponsorships, and other opportunities due to his stance. He also addressed a past incident in 2014 where he apologized for wearing a caricature that was condemned as anti-Semitic.
Despite the removal from the tour, Macklemore expressed hope that his friendship with Sheeran, which he stated has lasted 13 years, would endure. He concluded his statement by emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, calling his advocacy a "duty."