Macklemore, withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s tour after the “Free Palestine” message

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour lineup after delivering the message “Free Palestine” during concerts held on September 4 and 5 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

During the second show, the rapper performed the song “Hind’s Hall,” released in 2024 and inspired by the war in Gaza. Macklemore used the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions, while images from Gaza and student protests in the United States were displayed on the stadium screens.

The performance was criticized by the Anti-Defamation League, StopAntisemitism, and the Israeli-American Council, which called for the artist to be removed from the tour. Macklemore and the promotion company confirmed on Monday that the rapper would no longer participate in the upcoming concerts.

Macklemore claims that Ed Sheeran was pressured by arena owners. Robert Kraft, the owner of the company that owns Gillette Stadium, confirmed that he decided not to allow Macklemore to perform there, citing the recent performance and allegations regarding antisemitic rhetoric. The rapper says that his message concerns peace and equality, not the Jewish community.

Sheeran’s tour continues through November 7.