From Cosmopolitan · Samantha Olson · · 3m
Macklemore’s Free Palestine Tour After Ed Sheeran Tour Drama
Macklemore drops from Ed Sheeran’s tour after Gaza conflict speech, now launching Free Palestine Tour with $1M donation.
In brief
Macklemore drops from Ed Sheeran’s tour after Gaza conflict speech, now launching Free Palestine Tour with $1M donation. Macklemore’s tour exit and new Free Palestine Tour announcement follow backlash over his Gaza conflict speech at Ed Sheeran’s concert. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Macklemore’s Gaza Speech
Macklemore spoke about Palestine during Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in New Jersey on September 4, 2026, calling for 'Free Palestine' amid Gaza conflict.
“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free Palestine.'”
Pink Reshared Anti-Macklemore Post
Pink reshared a pro-Israel post condemning Macklemore’s speech, facing backlash for the social media move without explicitly supporting Israel.
“Just Give Me A Reason”
Israeli-American Council Petition
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding Macklemore be removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his political speech.
“This was an Ed Sheeran concert, not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event.”
Pink Clarifies 2014 Incident
Pink explained she reshared the post due to Macklemore’s 2014 antisemitic costume, which he later apologized for, emphasizing her Jewish identity.
“Every Jew I know knew exactly what it was.”
Macklemore Dropped from Tour
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after the Israeli-American Council petition and Pink’s posts led to venue cancellations.
“Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.”
Ed’s Silence and Solidarity Withdrawals
Ed Sheeran’s opening acts withdrew from his tour in solidarity with Macklemore after the controversy escalated.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Macklemore Challenges Robert Kraft
Macklemore challenged Robert Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian relief efforts after donating his tour earnings.
“I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people.”
Robert Kraft’s $2M Offer
Robert Kraft agreed to match Macklemore’s $1 million donation, pledging $2 million for Palestinian relief efforts with Ed Sheeran’s support.
“Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.”
Ed’s Cousin Accuses Ed of Malice
Ed’s cousin claimed Ed is 'malicious' and 'not a good person,' alleging he turned his back on him after becoming famous.
“He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.”
Ed Breaks Silence on Gaza
Ed Sheeran admitted he regretted difficult decisions during the Gaza conflict, calling it 'catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.'
“This is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”
Macklemore Launches Free Palestine Tour
Macklem: Macklemore announced a Free Palestine Tour with all proceeds benefiting Palestinian aid organizations starting in Dublin and Paris.
“It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.”
Macklemore’s $1M Donation
Macklemore donated $1 million from his tour earnings to six Palestinian aid organizations, challenging Robert Kraft to match the donation.
“I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people.”
Ed’s Tour Cancellation
Ed Sheeran canceled his tour after Macklemore’s speech, leading to multiple artists withdrawing in solidarity with Palestine.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.”
Macklemore’s Palestine Solidarity
Macklemore pledged to join artists who stand in solidarity with Palestine, emphasizing the need for political action over entertainment.
“To use the stage for more than entertainment. To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it.”
Robert Kraft’s Stadium Ban
Macklemore was banned from stadiums in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa after the controversy.
“He was banned from playing stadiums in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Tampa.”
Ed’s Apology to Fans
Ed Sheeran apologized to fans for 'difficult decisions' he regretted, acknowledging the Gaza conflict as 'catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.'
“This is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”
Here's the gist
Macklemore’s tour exit and new Free Palestine Tour announcement follow backlash over his Gaza conflict speech at Ed Sheeran’s concert.
