Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following controversy over comments he made in support of Palestine during a recent performance.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran’s US tour, confirmed Monday that Macklemore would no longer perform as an opening act. The promoter said venues hosting upcoming concerts would not allow the shows to proceed with him on the lineup.
According to the promoter, keeping Macklemore on the tour could have led to cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, the decision was made to remove him from the remaining support dates.
The move came less than two weeks after Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his opening set, he told the audience that one reason he joined the tour was to use performances at major stadiums to say “Free Palestine”.
Macklemore has publicly supported Palestinians for years. In 2024, he released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song addressing the war in Gaza. He also performed the song before Sheeran’s set at MetLife Stadium.
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His remarks during the tour drew criticism from some groups, including the Israeli-American Council, which launched a petition calling for his removal. Singer Pink also faced backlash after resharing a post supporting the decision.
Macklemore later responded to the criticism, arguing that opposition to Israel’s actions and opposition to genocide should not be equated with criticism of Jewish people. He also said on X that seeking equal treatment for all people should not be controversial.
Sheeran’s next US Loop Tour date is scheduled for September 19 in Philadelphia, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe listed as opening acts. The US leg is scheduled to continue through November 7.
