The fallout from Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour has moved well beyond the artist who started the controversy. Ed Sheeran is now defending his role in the decision while artists scheduled to join the tour are walking away in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians.
Macklemore was dropped from his remaining U.S. dates after using two MetLife Stadium appearances to say “Free Palestine” and perform “Hind’s Hall,” his protest record supporting Palestinians. According to The Guardian, several stadium owners apparently told Sheeran’s team and promoters they would refuse to host upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Messina Touring Group ultimately removed him.
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Sheeran addressed the uproar Tuesday (Sept. 15), saying the call belonged to the promoter and venues. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote on Instagram. He also said he tried to mediate between Macklemore, promoters, venue owners, and activists but could not reach a compromise. Sheeran also said he was “appalled” by the suffering in Israel and Palestine while explaining that he generally keeps his political views private and wants his concerts to remain welcoming to people from different backgrounds.
That explanation did little to quiet the criticism. Some fans questioned why Sheeran was now emphasizing an apolitical approach when he publicly supported Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. At the time, Sheeran participated in the televised Concert for Ukraine fundraiser and told Ukrainian band Antytila, “I love you, I stand with you.”
The old clip quickly resurfaced as critics accused him of applying different standards to the two conflicts. Others argued that an artist with Sheeran’s wealth and platform has enough independence to take a clearer public position. Sheeran rejected the idea that his refusal to publicly choose a side meant he did not care, writing, “I am not complicit.”
Read More: Macklemore Says Robert Kraft Got Him Kicked Off Ed Sheeran Tour
Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts Walk Away
Meanwhile, the response from his fellow musicians became harder to ignore as Tuesday continued. All four supporting acts scheduled for upcoming dates withdrew from the tour. Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who had been booked for the remaining North American dates, said his country’s history with famine and occupation informed his decision. He criticized wealthy venue owners for having the power to silence artists speaking about Palestinian suffering.
Irish traditional band Beoga also withdrew. The group, which has worked with Sheeran for years, stressed that the decision did not end their friendship with him but said they could not continue while Macklemore was being removed over his political speech. Lukas Graham followed, arguing that wealth should not determine which voices are allowed into public conversations about war and civilian deaths.
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Finneas also pulled out, although his scheduled appearances were on Sheeran’s South American dates rather than the remaining U.S. leg. He said artists should not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people and declared his support for Palestinians. Moreover, Sheeran's own band has also pulled out of the tour, standing in solidarity with Macklemore.
The pressure behind Macklemore’s removal included opposition from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company operates Gillette Stadium. Kraft said his objection was based on what he described as Macklemore’s broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while also saying he would be willing to meet with the rapper. Macklemore has rejected claims that his criticism of the Israeli government is antisemitic and has repeatedly said his message is about Palestinian freedom and human rights.
