Unpacking the Controversy Surrounding Ed Sheeran and Macklemore’s Tour
Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour has ignited a significant controversy within the music industry after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following a pro-Palestine chant during his opening performance.
The fallout from this incident has generated commentary from notable figures including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Pink, and numerous other artists.
Continue reading for an overview of how the events unfold and the current status:
Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ Moment
While opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026, Macklemore proclaimed “Free Palestine” and condemned genocide in all its forms before performing his protest anthem “Hind’s Hall” in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. During his performance, he cited one of his key reasons for joining the lineup as a chance to advocate for Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Pink’s Involvement in the Backlash
Shortly thereafter, Pink shared comments from StopAntisemitism, accusing Macklemore of disseminating “anti-Israel propaganda,” which ignited a backlash. She publicly addressed the issue in a statement released that month.
“I was born Jewish. I didn’t choose it, nor have I ever concealed it,” she wrote in an Instagram statement shared during Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish year, emphasizing that “Hamas is a terrorist organization” but “Palestinians deserve a future that honors their humanity and aspirations.”
On her reaction to Macklemore’s remarks, she added, in part, “A repost isn’t a statement, and a meme isn’t a spine.”
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour
On September 14, 2026, news surfaced that Macklemore would not participate in Sheeran’s remaining U.S. shows. Concert promoter Messina Touring Group informed Rolling Stone that multiple venues had expressed they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, “which would lead to tour cancellations and affect hundreds of thousands of fans.”
Sheeran addressed the situation through Instagram on September 15, stating, “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey concerts, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would cancel the shows if he still supported.”
He clarified that “the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was made by the promoter, not myself” and emphasized his respect for Macklemore “as an artist.”
Sheeran continued: “I’ve spent this week trying to find solutions and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who understand my heart also know my values.”
Macklemore responded on Instagram, stating, “I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two opportunities to stand before 90,000 people to say the words that had somehow become too dangerous to utter. Free Palestine. If these words cost me the stage while redirecting the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever embarked on.”
Macklemore also characterized Sheeran as a friend of 13 years and expressed hope that this disagreement wouldn’t damage their relationship.
“I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We all have careers, wealth, opportunities, safety, and audiences worldwide,” he added in his message. “Whatever consequences any of us face for our statements, we can return home to our families.”
Other ‘Loop Tour’ Acts Withdraw
Following Macklemore’s departure, additional acts from the Loop Tour — Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga — have also opted out. Kehlani, who was not involved with the tour, has shown support for Macklemore in the comments of his Instagram post, writing, “A LOT of the venue owners are united in this way. Honored to know you, brother. Adore you. I stand behind you!”
Robert Kraft Weighs In
Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, faced some criticism for Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour bill.
In a statement, Kraft told ESPN that Macklemore’s involvement in the September 25 and 26 concerts at Gillette Stadium “would cross that line” due to an alleged “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”
Macklemore’s $1 Million Donation Challenge
On September 17, 2026, Macklemore announced his intention to donate the $1 million he earned from the Loop Tour to six organizations that support Palestinians.
“I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation,” he wrote. “Despite our disagreements, perhaps we can find common ground on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”
Kraft responded the same day, mentioning in his own statement, “Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and urged me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to combat this humanitarian crisis.”
According to Kraft, Sheeran is reportedly “planning to reach out to other venue owners” to foster “collaboration in building bridges.”
“I have dedicated a significant part of my life to building bridges among all people,” Kraft added. “I truly believe that all lives are worth protecting.”
This story was compiled with the assistance of AI tools and edited by journalists.
