Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Onstage ‘Free Palestine’ Statements

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has been removed from the US leg of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during recent concerts. Jewish groups criticized him for making political speeches and chanting "Free Palestine" at two shows. In a statement, Macklemore maintained that the real victims are Palestinians, and expressed frustration that he was cut from the tour without an agreed replacement announced.

The controversy started on September 4 when Macklemore took the stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, stating his intent to speak about Palestine's plight. Subsequently, he performed his song Hind's Hall, which addressed Israel's actions in Gaza and displayed footage of the damage. Afterward, he addressed the audience of Jewish people, emphasizing that criticism of Israel does not equate to anti-Semitism.

The backlash intensified, culminating in accusations of antisemitism. Notable figures like Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, and Pink, a Jewish singer, also came under scrutiny for their responses.