Rapper Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after anti-Israel rhetoric at concerts

Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to a report on Monday. The Grammy-winning rapper cited venues prohibiting him from performing as the reason for his removal, stating that sharing a stage with Sheeran in large stadiums in America posed a "too much of a risk" due to his stance on the Palestinian situation.

Despite being known for his hit songs "Thrift Shop" and the anthem "Same Love," Macklemore has been making similar pro-Palestinian statements for years. Sheeran has not commented on the matter. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues had prohibited Macklemore from performing, leading to the cancellation of the tour and impacting thousands of fans.

Gillette Stadium, home to the NFL's New England Patriots, was among the venues affected. Owner Robert Kraft stated that the decision was based on Macklemore's recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that hurt the Jewish community. Kraft emphasized that Macklemore's advocacy should not be at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas.

Macklemore expressed no ill will towards Sheeran, calling them friends, but emphasized his responsibility to tell the truth about the Palestinian situation.