{
  "id": 7382671,
  "title": "Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after 'Free Palestine' speech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-after-free-palestine-speech-7382671",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T19:30:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq0m3pkmgg1ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has been removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour following a pro-Palestinian speech during one of the concerts. Macklemore, a long-time supporter of Palestine, made remarks about \"Free Palestine\" during the Loop tour, sparking criticism from Jewish groups. In a statement, Macklemore confirmed his removal from the tour, emphasizing that the victims are the Palestinian people in Gaza. Ed Sheeran has yet to comment on the situation. The controversy began on September 4, when Macklemore performed at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza through his song and visuals of the devastation. He addressed his Jewish audience members, urging them to remember those affected by the conflict. The backlash against Macklemore grew, with criticism escalating to the point of a petition calling for Sheeran to remove him from the tour. Macklemore acknowledged the difficult conversations with Sheeran, ultimately deciding to leave the lineup due to a fundamental disagreement.",
  "summary": "The US rapper was condemned by Jewish groups after making comments criticising Israel.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Rolling Stone",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Onstage ‘Free Palestine’ Statements",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-after-onstage-free-palestine",
        "published": "2026-09-14T14:01:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Consequence",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped as Opener on Ed Sheeran’s Tour Over Free Palestine Comments",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-as-opener-on-ed-sheerans-tour-over-free-palestine",
        "published": "2026-09-14T14:15:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Speech",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-after-free-palestine-speech",
        "published": "2026-09-14T14:19:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TheWrap",
        "title": "Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour Following ‘Free Palestine’ Messaging",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-removed-from-ed-sheeran-tour-following-free-palestine",
        "published": "2026-09-14T14:39:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Billboard",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour Over His ‘Free Palestine’ Comments",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-over-his-free-palestine",
        "published": "2026-09-14T15:18:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Deadline",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After “Free Palestine” Remarks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-after-free-palestine-remarks",
        "published": "2026-09-14T16:00:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "NYT Arts",
        "title": "Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Remarks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour-after-free-palestine-remarks-7376646",
        "published": "2026-09-14T18:47:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}