Ed Sheeran-Macklemore 'Free Palestine' controversy: Here's everything that happened on the Loop Tour

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has become the center of growing controversy after rapper Macklemore was removed from the US leg following pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening acts. The dispute has since escalated, with Sheeran speaking publicly about the decision and several other acts pulling out of the tour.

Here’s how the dispute unfolded.

September 4: Macklemore spoke at MetLife Stadium

Macklemore opened for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4. During his set, the rapper performed the protest song Hind’s Hall and used the concert platform to express his support for the Palestinians.

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He told the crowd that one of the reasons he wanted to join the tour was to use the stadium podiums to say “Free Palestine”. He also mentioned the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The remarks quickly drew criticism from groups who accused the rapper of using a major concert platform to promote a political message.

September 5: Macklemore reiterates his stance

During his second appearance at MetLife Stadium the following night, Macklemore again addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He also spoke directly to Jewish members of the audience, arguing that criticism of Israel should not be interpreted as criticism of the Jewish people.

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September 6: Calls for his removal grow

The Israeli-American Council subsequently started a petition demanding that Macklemore be removed from Sheeran’s tour.

The organization argued that the opening act should not use a large concert platform to present what it described as a one-sided political narrative.

Meanwhile, Macklemore continued to defend his position.

September 7: Macklemore responds to criticism

The rapper posted a video of his speech at X following the backlash.

He wrote that the belief that all people should be treated equally should not be controversial.

September 11: Pink enters the debate

Singer Pink also became part of the controversy after her social media activity surrounding the issue was criticized.

In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Pink discussed her Jewish identity and said she believes Palestinians deserve a future that respects their humanity and aspirations.

She also criticized Macklemore’s decision to bring war-related imagery and political messages to the stadium concert.

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September 14: Macklemore is removed from the tour

The controversy came to a head when Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s US tour, confirmed that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining support dates.

According to the promoter, venues scheduled to host upcoming shows indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform. The promoter said this could result in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of concert goers.

Macklemore responded by describing Sheeran as a longtime friend, but questioned the idea of remaining politically neutral in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

September 14: Robert Kraft responds

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, was subsequently drawn into the controversy after Macklemore pointed out pressure from stadium owners.

Kraft has confirmed that Macklemore will not perform at Sheeran’s upcoming Gillette Stadium shows. He cited what he described as concerns about material shared from the stage and what he characterized as a broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and use of metaphor.

Kraft also said the decision was not intended to dismiss Palestinian suffering or prevent Palestinian advocacy.

September 15: Ed Sheeran breaks his silence

Sheeran then addressed the dispute directly.

The singer said that removing Macklemore was not his decision, but a decision made by the tour promoter after venues indicated they would cancel the show if Macklemore remained in the lineup.

Sheeran said he respects Macklemore’s beliefs but prefers to use his own platform to encourage dialogue, diplomacy and a space where audiences can come together.

September 15: Sheeran’s other acts are being pulled

The fallout didn’t end with Macklemore’s removal.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga have all announced they will no longer be taking part in the remaining dates of the tour.

Finneas said he was on the side of Palestine and its people, while Lukas Graham said artists should be allowed to discuss war and civilian deaths. Beoga also said that performing in venues where artists advocating for a free Palestine could be silenced was not something she was willing to do.