Dearborn, Michigan Mayor Abdullah Hammoud has extended an invitation to rapper Macklemore to perform a free concert in the city following his removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. The decision to drop Macklemore came after he made anti-Israel statements during a performance at MetLife Stadium.
"If they don’t want you performing in their stadiums, you’re always welcome in Dearborn," Hammoud, a Democrat, posted on social media. "Come put on a show here. We’ll make it a free concert, sponsored by the city, and help make it one of the best around. We stand with you and for a free Palestine. Let’s make it happen."
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, was opening for Sheeran on his tour and was scheduled for eight more dates before the promoter, Messina Touring Group, canceled his appearances. The promoter cited stadium owners' unwillingness to host him as the reason.
Macklemore, wearing a keffiyeh, had called for a "free Palestine" and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza during his May 31st performance. His remarks drew criticism from groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Israeli-American Council.
Macklemore claimed the decision to remove him was influenced by figures like New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, suggesting it was an attempt to "silence" him due to perceived risk. He also noted that Sheeran, who had publicly declined to take a stance, was placed in a "f---ed up situation."
Sheeran, in a social media post, stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him. Macklemore has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
Dearborn, located in the Detroit metropolitan area, has one of the largest populations of Muslims and Arab Americans in the United States. Macklemore had not responded to the invitation as of Tuesday afternoon.