Macklemore Speaks Out After Removal from Ed Sheeran’s Tour

Rapper Macklemore has publicly addressed his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in the U.S., attributing his exit to backlash over pro-Palestinian comments made onstage. In a detailed Instagram statement, Macklemore, legally known as Ben Haggerty, identified New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft as the primary influence behind the decision, alleging Kraft urged other stadium owners not to host him.

Macklemore expressed his thoughts: “Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour.” He elaborated that Kraft had informed Sheeran of his restrictions at Gillette Stadium, owned by Kraft’s company, affecting the tour scheduled for later this month. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” Macklemore stated. “Ed also mentioned Kraft pressured other stadium owners, issuing an ultimatum that could jeopardize venue access if Macklemore remained on the tour.”

Despite the challenges, Macklemore emphasized his longstanding friendship with Sheeran, a relationship spanning 13 years. He noted Sheeran maintained a public position of neutrality, acknowledging that Macklemore’s words “Free Palestine” and the display of the Palestinian flag unsettled numerous individuals. The rapper reiterated he doesn’t see himself, Sheeran, or Pink—who had separately criticized Haggerty’s remarks—as victims.

Macklemore said, “Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement.”

Macklemore also reflected on the broader implications of his statements, arguing against neutrality between oppressors and the oppressed. He cited the suffering of Palestinians, especially children in Gaza, as the real victims, pointing out more than 20,000 children have died.

He criticized attempts to silence the pro-Palestinian discourse by equating it with anti-Semitism. According to him, misusing anti-Semitism as a defense against criticism of Israel does not protect Jewish people but instead shields Israel.

His sense of duty to speak out was reinforced by a phrase shared with him: لا شكر على واجب “La shukra ala wajeb,” meaning “there is no thanks for a duty.”

Concluding his statement, Macklemore expressed hope that his rapport with Sheeran can withstand their disagreement. He wishes to further explore what neutrality signifies amid ongoing hardship in Palestine, keeping the door open to continued dialogue.

This article updates a developing story regarding Macklemore’s departure from Ed Sheeran’s tour.