Macklemore Announces 'Free Palestine Tour' After Ed Sheeran Controversy

Rapper Macklemore has announced a new "Free Palestine Tour" consisting of three initial European dates in Dublin, Paris, and London, with more U.S. dates expected. This comes less than two weeks after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. Macklemore addressed his removal from Sheeran's tour in a social media post, quipping, "As you all know, my schedule has opened up a bit." He also stated that he has reached out to other artists who have expressed support for Palestinians to join his upcoming shows, though their names have not yet been released.

Macklemore used the announcement to reiterate his stance on the Gaza conflict, writing that "being apolitical during a genocide is no longer an option." He has been vocal in recent months, frequently criticizing Israel. All proceeds from the "Free Palestine Tour" will be donated to Palestinian and pro-Palestinian organizations and aid groups, including UNRWA USA, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), Medical Aid for Palestinians, and Jewish Voice for Peace.

The tour announcement follows a controversy earlier in September when Macklemore chanted "Free Palestine" during a performance as an opening act for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey. Following this, he was removed from the remainder of Sheeran's tour. Sheeran clarified that he did not make the decision, stating that the venues threatened to cancel the shows if Macklemore continued to participate.

The decision to remove Macklemore also prompted several other artists, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, to withdraw from their scheduled performances. In response to his removal, Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million, the amount he reportedly would have earned from his appearances, to organizations aiding Palestinians.