Rapper Macklemore's removal from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran's tour has sparked solidarity from liberal lawmakers, commentators, and activists who are speaking out against the decision and expressing support for the artist. Macklemore himself claims that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft played a role in his removal, alleging that Kraft rallied other stadium owners to pressure Sheeran.
Representative Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., a constituent of Macklemore's, criticized the decision, stating, "It’s so incredibly disappointing that Macklemore, my constituent, was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour because of his comments in support of the Palestinian people." She added, "We should all be outraged that powerful people are more upset about what an artist says than the displacement, starvation, and killing of innocent Palestinian children and families. Thank you, Macklemore, for speaking up. This is a moment for us to come together, find our moral conscience as a nation, and end this genocide."
Macklemore was dropped after repeatedly calling for a "Free Palestine" and performing his anti-Israel song "Hind’s Hall" while opening for Sheeran. The promoter of the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour, Messina Touring Group, stated that venues informed them they would not allow a concert with Macklemore on the lineup, which would lead to cancellations impacting hundreds of thousands of fans. Following discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore was removed from the remaining support dates.
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, confirmed he opposed Macklemore performing at his venue, citing a commitment to a welcoming environment and a stance against hate speech. In a statement to TMZ, Kraft said, "Based on 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, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line." Kraft also stated that the decision was not about diminishing the suffering of Palestinians or denying the right to advocate on their behalf.
Children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel criticized Sheeran directly on Instagram, writing, "Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won't be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine. Instead he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak out against it."
Rosie O'Donnell also posted in support of Macklemore on Instagram, writing, "Wow — sad — I stand with him in solidarity #GENOCIDE." She shared several Instagram stories supporting the rapper, with some referencing a boycott.
Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., expressed support for Macklemore on X, writing, "Admire your courage, Macklemore!"
The pop band MUNA posted to its Instagram story, "Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic. Solidarity with @macklemore."
Christian Toto, host of the "Hollywood in Toto Podcast," commented on the lawmakers' support for Macklemore, suggesting they were silent during other celebrity controversies. "These same lawmakers were silent when Gina Carano was cancelled and her career was destroyed by Disney for an innocuous post about tolerance," Toto told Fox News Digital. "They also said nothing when British singer M.I.A. got booted from Kid Cudi's tour earlier this year for sharing right-leaning views."
Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the remaining ten shows on the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour.