Ed Sheeran blames US tour promoter for dropping Macklemore
Ed Sheeran has clarified that his decision to remove rapper Macklemore from his US tour was driven by pressure from venues threatening to cancel shows. The venues cited Macklemore's pro-Palestine comments and alleged history of antisemitic rhetoric as the reasons for his exclusion.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of celebrity activism, corporate venue management, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Gaza.
The English musician said it was important to “set out some facts” after US rapper Macklemore voiced support for Palestine.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ed Sheeran (right) said unlike Macklemore (left), he hasn't spoken publicly about Israel's war on Gaza but said 'it doesn't mean I don't care' [File: AP Photo] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 15 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026 Pop star Ed Sheeran has blamed the promoter of his United States tour for dropping Macklemore after the rapper voiced support for Palestine.
In a series of six slides on an Instagram post, Sheeran on Tuesday said it was important to “set out some facts”.
Also covering this story
18 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Ed Sheeran's opening acts quit tour in solidarity with Macklemore
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Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after 'Free Palestine' speech
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after 'free Palestine' speech
Macklemore says Robert Kraft had him dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after his comments about the Palestinian territories
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after 'Free Palestine' speech
Macklemore cut from Ed Sheeran U.S. tour after onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks
Ed Sheeran tour: Finneas, Aaron Rowe withdraw after Macklemore removal
Macklemore says he was dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized boycott
Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore tour removal, as all remaining openers drop out
Robert Kraft Confirms He Barred Macklemore From Ed Sheeran Boston Shows - Rolling Stone
Ed Sheeran says it wasn't his decision to drop Macklemore
Ed Sheeran responds to backlash over removing Macklemore from tour after ‘Free Palestine’ comments
Ed Sheeran issues statement as band, support acts quit tour after Macklemore axed over pro-Palestine comments
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine comments - The Washington Post
Ed Sheeran Opener Aaron Rowe Pulls Out of Tour After Macklemore Drop
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour over 'Free Palestine' comments, as Robert Kraft weighs in
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