Ed Sheeran says promoters decided to drop Macklemore from US tour

Ed Sheeran has reiterated that the decision to remove Macklemore from his US Loop Tour was not his own, but rather the result of pressure from promoters and venues following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian statements. The controversy, which has drawn sharp public reactions, centers on the tension between artistic expression and the commercial realities of large-scale touring.

Pressure from Venues and Promoters

The conflict began after Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, delivered a "Free Palestine" message during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. The rapper, known for his politically charged lyrics, used the platform to call for Palestinian self-determination, a stance that drew immediate criticism from Jewish advocacy groups and stadium owners.

Sheeran, in a statement posted to Instagram, said he had "spoken with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge" but ultimately had no authority over the decision. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine," he wrote. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues threatened to cancel the tour if Macklemore remained on the bill, citing concerns over his "Free Palestine" remarks and perceived antisemitic rhetoric.

Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not Sheeran, according to the singer. "I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living," Sheeran added.

Royalty and Responsibility

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, confirmed he had barred Macklemore from performing at his venue, calling the rapper’s past statements "antisemitic" and "hate speech." However, Kraft did not address claims that he had rallied other stadium owners to pressure Sheeran. "I agree with Macklemore, too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering," Kraft said, but emphasized that his decision was based on "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric."

Macklemore, in his own statement, accused Kraft of orchestrating a coordinated effort to remove him from the tour. "Ed told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues," he wrote. Sheeran did not dispute this account, though he maintained that the final decision rested with the promoter.

The dispute has sparked a broader debate about the role of political speech in entertainment. Macklemore argued that his message was not inherently antisemitic, stating that criticism of Israel does not equate to hatred of Jewish people. "My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality," he wrote. Sheeran, meanwhile, defended his choice to avoid public political commentary, citing the diverse demographics of his audience.

Public and Celebrity Reactions

The fallout has drawn responses from a range of celebrities and advocacy groups. The Israeli American Council and StopAntisemitism campaign criticized Macklemore’s remarks, with P!nk amplifying calls for his removal. Conversely, artists like Greta Thunberg and Marissa Bode, a Wicked actress, voiced support for Macklemore, condemning Sheeran’s perceived silence on Palestinian issues.

Macklemore’s defenders argue that his activism reflects a long-standing commitment to social justice, while critics contend that his platform risks alienating segments of his audience. The controversy has also highlighted the financial and logistical challenges of large-scale tours, where the interests of promoters, venues, and artists can clash.

Sheeran’s statement did not explicitly address the substance of Macklemore’s remarks, instead focusing on his own principles. "I have my personal views on this devastating conflict," he wrote, "but I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary."

What’s Next?

The Loop Tour is set to continue, with Macklemore replaced by other support acts. However, the incident has raised questions about the boundaries of political expression in live music and the influence of venue owners on tour lineups. Kraft has expressed openness to dialogue with Macklemore, stating that his goal is "peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate." Yet, the rapper has not yet responded to this overture.

As the tour progresses, the fallout from the decision will likely continue to shape public discourse. For Sheeran, the challenge remains balancing his artistic vision with the commercial and political realities of touring. For Macklemore, the episode underscores the risks of using major platforms to advocate for marginalized causes.