Macklemore to stage ‘Free Palestine Tour’ as Sheeran faces fallout over artist removals

NEW YORK, Sept 25 — US rapper Macklemore, who was dropped from British pop star Ed Sheeran’s tour for making pro-Palestinian comments, announced he will instead embark on a Free Palestine Tour. The Thrift Shop star had made pro-Palestinian statements during two concerts in New Jersey and was quickly removed from the US leg of the Loop Tour.

Sheeran, who handed over decision-making to tour promoters, faced backlash from musicians and pro-Palestinian activists. In an Instagram post, Macklemore, 43, stated that the controversy was "bigger than one artist or one stage," urging everyone to pay attention. He will perform in London, Paris, Dublin, and the US in late October, with all proceeds benefiting pro-Palestinian organizations.

Macklemore emphasized that "being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore" and called on artists to educate themselves and use their platform to push back against silencing voices advocating for a Free Palestine. Sheeran, known for his Grammy success, initially avoided overt political statements during his Philadelphia show, but he later acknowledged the conflict in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate." Four other supporting artists also withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.