Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Pro-Palestinian Speech

Rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's "+-" (The Mathematics) Tour in the United States, following a pro-Palestinian speech he delivered during a recent concert. The production company, Messina Touring Group, announced the decision, stating that stadiums for upcoming shows refused to allow Macklemore to perform.

The company explained that the situation could have led to the cancellation of the entire tour, affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. "After discussions with the relevant parties, Macklemore will not perform," the statement read.

The decision comes about a week after the Israeli-American Council (IAC) launched a petition against Macklemore's participation in the tour. The petition was initiated after Macklemore's performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he addressed over 80,000 attendees, delivered a pro-Palestinian speech, and performed his song "Hind's Hall" with images from Gaza displayed in the background.

The IAC's petition garnered tens of thousands of signatures and millions of social media impressions, drawing attention from American and international media. The IAC praised the production company's decision, stating, "The Israeli-American community has proven that when it is united, its voice is heard." They added that "freedom of expression is not freedom from responsibility" and that a concert stage should not be used to promote anti-Israel propaganda.

Macklemore himself reportedly stated during his MetLife performance that one reason he wanted to join the tour was the opportunity to stand before stadium crowds and say "Free Palestine." With stadiums now refusing his participation, he will no longer be part of Ed Sheeran's tour.