Macklemore Spotted With Parents in Seattle Amid Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy

Macklemore was photographed walking with his parents, Bill Haggerty and Julie Schott, in Seattle on Wednesday, days after his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. The rapper, born Benjamin Haggerty, was seen walking between his parents and engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation.

Macklemore's outing follows news that he was dropped from Sheeran's tour after making onstage comments about Palestine and the people of Gaza. The rapper stated on Instagram that he and Sheeran had a "painful disagreement" and that Sheeran's team removed him from the tour. Macklemore claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran to remove him due to his political stance.

Macklemore asserted that Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, worked with other stadium owners to give Sheeran an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on tour, Sheeran would not be allowed to play in their venues. In response to the controversy, Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him, and that he would not abandon his fans or crew.

In solidarity with Macklemore, all of Sheeran's other tour openers, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga, have withdrawn from the Loop Tour. Finneas wrote on Instagram that "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed" and that he stands with Palestine and its people.

Macklemore announced he would donate his entire $1 million earnings from the tour to six Palestinian aid organizations. Subsequently, Robert Kraft pledged to donate $2 million to humanitarian efforts in the region. Kraft also expressed his willingness to discuss their political differences with Macklemore.