WASHINGTON – American rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of British pop star Ed Sheeran’s US tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks and calling for a “Free Palestine” during a concert in New Jersey.
Macklemore made the comments during his performance at MetLife Stadium on September 4, where he expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The rapper later said on Instagram that he and Sheeran had held “some difficult conversations” over the issue during the following week.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s US Loop Tour, confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at the remaining shows. The promoter said venues hosting upcoming tour dates had informed it that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.
“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” the touring group said.
Sheeran subsequently clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter and was not his own. He said he had spent the week trying to find a solution to the dispute and had sought to maintain the tour for fans, crew members and other supporting artists.
Macklemore has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights and has repeatedly criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank. His remarks have drawn both support and criticism, with the controversy also prompting calls for his removal from the tour.
The Israeli-American Council had previously launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the tour following his public statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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