Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour After 'Free Palestine' Statement
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after several venues reportedly refused to allow him to perform, citing concerns over his onstage support for Palestinians and calls for a “free Palestine.”
- The decision came after Macklemore made public statements and showed images related to the Gaza conflict during performances, which sparked backlash from pro-Israel groups and a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal.
- Venues that allegedly objected to Macklemore’s participation include major stadiums in Philadelphia, Foxborough, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, and Tampa, with some publicly owned venues raising potential First Amendment issues.
- Despite the controversy, Ed Sheeran’s tour will continue with other supporting acts, and the South American leg is scheduled for later this year; Macklemore’s removal follows similar debates over artist speech and venue cancellations, such as those involving Kanye West’s concerts at Raymond James Stadium.
- Representatives for Sheeran, Macklemore, and most venues have not publicly commented on the situation, but the Tampa Sports Authority confirmed Macklemore will not perform at the upcoming show there.
