Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over Pro-Palestinian Remarks

American rapper Macklemore has been removed as a supporting act for Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour due to his political statements. The decision was made by Messina Touring Group after stadium managers threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup, a move that could have jeopardized the entire tour.

The controversy began on September 4th during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore appeared on stage wearing a keffiyeh, called for "Free Palestine," and performed his pro-Palestinian song "Hind's Hall," with images of destruction in Gaza displayed in the background.

In response, the Israeli-American Community (IAC) launched a petition against him, arguing that a musical performance should not be a political rally. The backlash extended to singer Pink, who shared a post accusing the rapper of anti-Israel propaganda. Pink later clarified she did not seek to silence him but affirmed the right of Jewish families to feel safe in audiences.

Macklemore attempted to mitigate the damage during a subsequent performance, stating his opposition was to the Israeli government, not the Jewish people, and was a call for "peace and love." Despite these explanations, he was dropped from the remaining eight shows of the U.S. leg of the tour.