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 the controversy in a social media post, quipping, "As you all know, my schedule has opened up a bit." He also stated that being apolitical during what he termed a "genocide" is no longer an option, a stance he has consistently taken.

All proceeds from the "Free Palestine Tour" will be donated to Palestinian and pro-Palestinian aid organizations, including UNRWA USA, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), Medical Aid for Palestinians, and Jewish Voice for Peace. Macklemore has been vocal in his criticism of Israel in recent months.

The controversy erupted earlier in September when Macklemore chanted "Free Palestine" during his opening set for Sheeran in New Jersey. Following this, he was removed from the remaining shows. Sheeran clarified that he did not make the decision, explaining that venues threatened to cancel the concerts if Macklemore continued to participate.

The decision to remove Macklemore led to several other artists, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, withdrawing from planned performances. In response to his removal, Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million, the amount he reportedly would have earned from the remaining shows, to organizations aiding Palestinians.