Philadelphia: US rapper Macklemore was removed on Monday from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's US stadium tour after several venues allegedly objected to his participation following his public statements of support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macklemore, who has consistently voiced his support for Palestinians and advocated for a 'free Palestine' during his performances, had been slated to appear at eight of the 10 remaining shows on Sheeran's US leg of the Loop Tour. However, Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the US tour, announced that venues had notified them of their refusal to host concerts featuring Macklemore. The promoter stated that his participation could have led to the cancellation of the tour, impacting hundreds of thousands of fans.
The venues reportedly objecting to the rapper include Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, AT and T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Sheeran's tour is scheduled to resume this Friday in Philadelphia.
Macklemore, an outspoken critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, has utilized his concerts and public platforms to express solidarity with Palestinians and denounce the ongoing conflict. Despite the objections from venues, the promoter did not specify which ones had explicitly opposed Macklemore's participation.
The rapper, known for his work with Ryan Lewis on hits like 'Thrift Shop' and 'Can't Hold Us,' confirmed his removal in a heartfelt 12-slide Instagram post. He emphasized that the Palestinian people are the real victims in the situation and expressed regret over the decision to remove him from the tour. Macklemore noted that he and Sheeran, who have shared a 13-year friendship, had engaged in numerous discussions over the past week but remained fundamentally at odds on the issue.
According to Macklemore, Sheeran informed him that British music executive Robert Kraft had contacted Sheeran after Macklemore's remarks at MetLife Stadium, indicating that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium, owned by the Kraft Group. Macklemore further alleged that Kraft had communicated with other stadium owners, collectively warning Sheeran that he would lose access to their venues if Macklemore continued on the tour.
Macklemore acknowledged the difficult position Sheeran faced, with his typically apolitical stance being challenged in unprecedented ways. Despite understanding the potential repercussions for artists taking public positions on such conflicts, Macklemore rejected the notion that neutrality equated to impartiality between two equal sides.
He questioned why his stance, consistent over three years, had suddenly become contentious, suggesting that allowing his pro-Palestinian remarks on major stadium stages could inspire other artists to speak out. Macklemore also addressed accusations of antisemitism, clarifying that criticism of the Israeli government and support for Palestinians should not be misconstrued as hatred toward Jewish people.
In his post, Macklemore reiterated that his comments were not a personal attack on Sheeran and expressed hope that their friendship would endure despite the disagreement. He concluded with a reflection on his responsibility to speak about Palestinians, viewing it as a duty rather than an act of bravery.
Macklemore expressed that the real issues at hand, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, far outweigh concerns over public perceptions and disagreements. He concluded by asserting that if his stance cost him the stage but brought attention back to the plight of Palestinians, it was the most successful tour he had ever been on.