Macklemore Breaks Silence After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran's Tour Over Gaza Remarks

Macklemore has addressed his removal from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's US tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks, emphasizing that the focus should remain on those suffering in Gaza. In a lengthy Instagram statement on Monday, the Grammy-winning musician wrote that the true victims are the Palestinian people, including the men, women, and children who have been killed, starved, displaced, and subjected to unimaginable violence.

The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, explained that he and Ed Sheeran held difficult conversations over the past week before the decision was finalized to remove him from the Loop Tour. Macklemore had been scheduled to support the British singer at eight of the final 10 shows on the US stadium tour.

Reflecting on the situation, Macklemore stated that neither he, Ed Sheeran, nor Pink are victims, noting that they have careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences, and can return to their families regardless of the consequences they face.

The controversy began after Macklemore performed at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 during Ed Sheeran's tour. During his set, he spoke about Gaza and the occupied West Bank, declared "Free Palestine," and performed his protest song Hind's Hall. He also addressed Jewish members of the audience, asserting that criticism of Israel and apartheid should not be conflated with antisemitism.

The performance drew criticism from groups such as StopAntisemitism, while the Israeli-American Council launched a petition urging Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore. Singer Pink also shared a post criticizing the performance, later issuing a clarification following backlash.

Macklemore recounted that Ed Sheeran informed him Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, had stated Macklemore would not be permitted to perform there. He described Ed Sheeran as being in a difficult position and noted that while they disagreed on neutrality, he hopes their 13-year friendship will endure.

The Messina Touring Group, promoter for the US leg of the Loop Tour, confirmed that venues hosting upcoming dates objected to Macklemore remaining on the bill, warning that failure to remove him could lead to show cancellations. The tour resumes in Philadelphia on September 19 without Macklemore.