Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour following pro-Palestine remarks

Rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North American “Loop Tour” following pro-Palestinian remarks made during performances in New Jersey. Stadium owner Robert Kraft, whose group owns Gillette Stadium, reportedly pressured Sheeran to remove the artist, citing concerns over what Kraft described as “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” Macklemore defended his stance, stating his criticism of Israel and the situation in Gaza was not directed at the Jewish community.

The controversy has led to significant fallout for Sheeran. Following Macklemore’s departure, other supporting acts resigned from the tour in solidarity, and Sheeran reportedly lost nearly 500,000 Instagram followers. During a recent concert in Philadelphia, Sheeran faced empty seats and protesters. Sheeran has addressed the situation, stating he does not wish to be an “activist musician” and describing the week as one of the worst of his life.

Macklemore announced he will donate $1 million in net earnings from the tour to six organizations providing humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians, including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and UNRWA USA National Committee. He publicly challenged Robert Kraft to match the donation, to which Kraft and Sheeran responded by pledging $1 million toward aid in the region, though specific recipient details were not provided.