Macklemore takes the stage for Palestine

On September 4, Macklemore joined Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour as an opening act. During his set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he declared his support for Palestinians, saying "Free Palestine" before performing his song "Hind's Hall."

“"Free Palestine," Macklemore said before performing his song "Hind's Hall"”

The song honors a Palestinian child

"Hind's Hall" was named after Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in 2024. Macklemore also said every human being deserves the same freedom.

Macklemore doubles down after backlash

The next day, September 5, Macklemore addressed criticism that he was antisemitic. He clarified that criticism of Israel and opposition to genocide are not criticism of Jewish people.

“"Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you."”

Pink weighs in as a Jewish artist

On September 12, Pink posted on Instagram about Macklemore's comments. As a Jewish person, she said his statement scared her and others, even though she supported Palestinian rights.

“"that scared me, and it scared people I love"”

Pink criticizes Macklemore's approach

Pink wrote that Macklemore "took the mic to tell all of the Jews in the stadium that it wasn't about them. You don't get to decide that for us." She wasn't calling for him to be silenced, but wanted her concerns heard.

“"You don't get to decide that for us."”

Stadium owners threaten to cancel shows

On September 14, tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced Macklemore was dropped from the tour. Venues said they would not allow concerts with him on the lineup, which would result in tour cancellation.

Robert Kraft rallied other stadium owners

Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft told Sheeran he would not allow him to perform there with Macklemore. Kraft said he had rallied other stadium owners to follow suit.

Kraft cites antisemitic history

Kraft said Macklemore had "crossed the line" and referenced a 2014 incident when the rapper performed in a costume that resembled a Jewish caricature, including a prosthetic nose and fake beard.

Macklemore apologizes for old costume

In 2014, Macklemore apologized for the costume, saying the character had no intended cultural identity. He wrote that a Jewish stereotype never crossed his mind, but acknowledged how it could be perceived that way.

“"I acknowledge how the costume could, within a context of stereotyping, be ascribed to a Jewish caricature"”

Macklemore responds to his removal

Macklemore posted on Instagram that he is not a victim and Ed Sheeran is not a victim. He said Sheeran is his friend of 13 years and called him a brother, but acknowledged the media attention and stadium pressure.

“"I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim."”

Sheeran breaks his apolitical stance

In a rare statement, Sheeran said he was appalled by the Israel-Palestine conflict and called the suffering on both sides a human tragedy. He said venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained.

Sheeran distances himself from the decision

Sheeran said Macklemore's contract was with the promoter, not him. He tried to build a bridge between venue owners and his team, but the venues' and promoter's decision was final.

Other opening acts drop out in solidarity

Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Beoga, and Lukas Graham all withdrew from the tour within hours of Macklemore's removal. Each said they couldn't allow billionaires to silence voices speaking up for the oppressed.

Macklemore donates his tour earnings

On September 16, Macklemore announced he would donate his entire one million dollar net earnings from the tour to six Palestinian aid organizations. He invited Kraft to match the donation.

Kraft and Sheeran pledge two million dollars

Kraft announced that Sheeran had called him and asked him to commit two million dollars to match his donation for aid in the region. Kraft said they aim to build bridges and work together.

Sheeran speaks at Philadelphia show

On September 21, Sheeran performed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. He called the October 7 attack horrific and described Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate.

Sheeran thanks his replacement band

Sheeran thanked his new backing band for learning the music in three days despite knowing the world might hate them too. He said this was one of the worst weeks of his life but the best show.

Fans demand refunds but face barriers

Some fans requested refunds after all opening acts dropped out, but Ticketmaster's policy says all sales are final. Refunds are only available in limited circumstances set by the event organizer.