Macklemore Kicked Off Ed Sheeran Tour After Palestine Chants

Rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" after chanting "Free Palestine" at MetLife Stadium, reportedly against assurances made to NFL team owners who host the tour dates. Concert promoters had allegedly assured owners that Macklemore would refrain from political statements during his sets.

Several NFL owners, including Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, David Tepper of the Carolina Panthers, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, and Jeffrey Lurie of the Philadelphia Eagles, were reportedly concerned about the tour being used as a political rally. They allegedly warned promoters that the tour would be barred from their stadiums if Macklemore continued his outspoken advocacy.

During his first performance at MetLife Stadium on September 4, Macklemore, wearing a keffiyeh, called for a "Free Palestine," and extended the sentiment to "Free Lebanon, Free Cuba, Free Congo, Free Sudan, free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE." He also referenced the bravery of Columbia University students who led an encampment movement.

On his second show at the stadium, Macklemore again chanted "Free Palestine," stating that "people from Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them." He performed his song "Hind's Hall," inspired by the pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University, with images from Gaza displayed behind him.

Following these events, venue owners and promoters were allegedly pressured to remove Macklemore from the remaining tour dates. Other venues, including Lucas Oil Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Raymond James Stadium, reportedly threatened to cancel shows. Macklemore was officially removed from the tour on September 16.

Robert Kraft, who has a personal relationship with Sheeran, reportedly spoke with the singer in a 40-minute phone call, asserting that Macklemore's rhetoric constituted hate speech and did not address the core issue of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Kraft stated, "This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real. But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas, a United States and globally … designated terrorist organization whose horrific actions have caused immeasurable suffering for Palestinians and Israelis alike."

Sheeran, whose contract was with the promoters and not directly with him, stated on Instagram that he was involved in discussions to find a resolution but the venue's and promoter's decision was final. He expressed that he would not let down fans, the touring crew, or other support acts.

In response to the controversy, Kraft announced a donation of $2 million to Palestinian relief efforts, mirroring a $1 million donation from Sheeran, which was also prompted by Macklemore's announcement to donate tour earnings.

Kraft has since extended an offer to meet with Macklemore, stating he would "welcome the opportunity." Macklemore had previously accused Kraft of being responsible for his removal from the tour.

Other openers for Sheeran, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga, reportedly dropped off the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.