{
  "id": 7860156,
  "title": "Macklemore fans are asking for refunds as Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour implodes. Here's what happened.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/macklemore-fans-are-asking-for-refunds-as-ed-sheerans-loop-tour",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T20:02:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ed-sheeran-loop-tour-macklemore-controversy-explained-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour is embroiled in a controversy after opening act Macklemore was dropped from the tour following his pro-Palestine speech. Macklemore, who performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4, expressed support for Palestinians during his set, stating, \"Free Palestine.\" His words sparked backlash, with some calling him antisemitic and questioning the appropriateness of his remarks at a major concert venue. Despite Macklemore's subsequent clarifications that his message was one of peace, love, and equality, not criticism of Jewish people, Pink and other artists denounced his comments. The tour has now seen all other opening acts depart, leaving some fans demanding refunds. The situation has put Ed Sheeran and Macklemore at odds, with the tour standing at a critical juncture.",
  "summary": "Ed Sheeran's tour was hit by controversy after Macklemore's pro-Palestine comments led to his removal and the other acts pulling out.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Macklemore on removal from Ed Sheeran tour: 'The victims are the Palestinian people'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/macklemore-on-removal-from-ed-sheeran-tour-the-victims-are-the",
        "published": "2026-09-15T04:54:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Axios",
        "title": "How Ed Sheeran's tour imploded over a geopolitical fight",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/how-ed-sheerans-tour-imploded-over-a-geopolitical-fight",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:53:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}