Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium sparked a political firestorm. The rapper’s removal comes after several venues reportedly refused to host shows with him on the bill, forcing promoter Messina Touring Group to make a change that will leave Sheeran’s remaining American concerts without their original opening act.
The controversy began during Macklemore’s September 4 and 5 performances at MetLife Stadium. Before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” he told the crowd, “Free Palestine,” then criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He also showed footage connected to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The Israeli-American Council called for his removal and launched a petition, while StopAntisemitism also condemned the performance. Critics accused Macklemore of turning a major concert into a political platform.
Pink became part of the dispute after she reposted a message calling for Macklemore to be removed from Sheeran’s tour. The post drew significant backlash, prompting the singer to explain her position in a lengthy statement. Pink said she was speaking as a Jewish woman and argued that Macklemore’s performance had made her uncomfortable. She also reaffirmed that Palestinians deserve a future that respects their humanity.
Macklemore has stood by his comments. In his response, he said the “victims are the Palestinian people” and rejected the idea that his criticism of Israel was directed at Jewish people. “My message is for peace, love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality,” he said. He also suggested that pressure from powerful venue figures contributed to his removal and expressed hope that his friendship with Sheeran would survive the dispute.
The episode arrives amid a wider political divide in Hollywood. Mark Ruffalo recently faced accusations of antisemitism after his criticism of Israel and Oracle’s ties to the Israeli military, while Gal Gadot and “Snow White” co-star Rachel Zegler became symbols of opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict during the film’s promotion. Last month, fashion designer John Galliano – whose 2011 antisemitic tirade got him exiled from the fashion world – had to back out of MET Gala amid protests from the Jewish communities. Macklemore’s removal is just another domino in the ongoing discourse in Hollywood surrounding the conflict.