Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over "Free Palestine" Chants

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour after venues stated they would not permit him to perform. The decision came after Macklemore, who was serving as an opening act, led chants of "Free Palestine" during his set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He also displayed images on screen during his performance that referred to the situation in Gaza as a "Holocaust" and performed his song "Hind's Hall," which criticizes Israel.

Loop, the production company for the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, confirmed Macklemore's removal. A spokesperson stated that multiple venues informed them they would not allow Macklemore to perform, which would have led to the cancellation of the entire tour and impacted hundreds of thousands of fans. Following discussions, Macklemore will not appear at the remaining support shows.

Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the ten remaining U.S. dates. Several major stadiums, including Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, were among those reportedly objecting to his inclusion. The tour is set to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.

The controversy erupted during Sheeran's concert in New Jersey, where Macklemore, wearing a keffiyeh, led the "Free Palestine" chants and delivered a pro-Palestinian speech. He expressed solidarity with people in Gaza and the West Bank, speaking of peace amidst conflict. His performance included displaying images from Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests on large screens behind him.