Ed Sheeran blames US tour promoter for dropping Macklemore

What the report says

Ed Sheeran has said the removal of rapper Macklemore from his US tour was a decision made by the tour promoter, not by him, after venues objected to Macklemore’s pro-Palestine comments. In a series of Instagram posts on Tuesday, the British singer said he wanted to “set out some facts” following public criticism and online discussion about the move.

According to Al Jazeera, Sheeran said the issue arose after some venues said they would not host later shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, had drawn backlash after saying “Free Palestine” during performances while touring with Sheeran earlier this month at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sheeran said he tried to “build a bridge” with venues during the week, but stressed that the final decision came from the promoter.

The dispute prompted several other artists on Sheeran’s tour, including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas, to say they were stepping away from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, also confirmed he had pushed for Macklemore’s removal from a Gillette Stadium appearance, citing concerns about antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore separately said Sheeran told him that stadium owners had organized pressure to have him dropped. The episode highlights how the war in Gaza is affecting public debate in entertainment and live events, with artists facing pressure over political statements and venue decisions.