Rapper Macklemore will no longer appear on the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venues informed the promoter that his pro‑Palestine statements were unacceptable. The decision, announced by Messina Touring Group, means Macklemore will miss eight of the ten shows left on the tour.

Artists respond to the removal

Macklemore posted a lengthy Instagram statement saying he is not a victim and that both he and Sheeran have careers, families, and audiences to consider. He emphasized his responsibility to speak the truth about the conflict in Gaza, noting that more than 20,000 children have been killed there.

Sheeran’s representatives have not commented, and the tour promoter said the cancellation would affect “hundreds of thousands of fans.”

Background of the controversy

During a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Macklemore opened his set with chants of “Free Palestine” while a slideshow displayed footage from the Gaza war. The display drew criticism from an Instagram page called “Stop Antisemitism,” which called the act “awful.” Pink later reposted the video, sparking further backlash.

Macklemore claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft warned Sheeran that venues would not allow him to perform if he remained on the bill. He also said Sheeran told him the “Free Palestine” chant was hurting many people, but Macklemore argued that the words are not comparable to the deaths of Palestinian children.

Impact and future plans

Despite the removal, Macklemore said he hopes his friendship with Sheeran endures and that he will continue to use his platform to advocate for Palestinian liberation. He expressed that even a few performances in front of large crowds can make a difference.

The Loop Tour will proceed without Macklemore, and fans can expect the remaining shows to feature Sheeran’s usual lineup.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.