Dropped from the tour

Macklemore repeatedly called for a "Free Palestine" and performed his song "Hind's Hall" while opening for Ed Sheeran. On Monday he was cut from the remaining U.S. dates of the Loop Tour.

Venues issued the ultimatum

Promoter Messina Touring Group said venues told them they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill, which would have killed the tour outright.

“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.”

Kraft drew the line

Patriots owner Robert Kraft told TMZ he opposed Macklemore playing Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26, citing hate speech and what he called a history of antisemitic rhetoric.

“Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests.”

Kraft's careful caveat

He closed his statement by separating the ban from the politics, saying the call was about the stage, not about Palestinian suffering or anyone's right to advocate.

“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf.”

Macklemore names the pressure

In his own announcement, the rapper said Sheeran's team removed him and described a coordinated squeeze from stadium owners. He was booked for eight of the tour's last ten U.S. shows.

“If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”

A congresswoman speaks up

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes Macklemore, called the removal disappointing on X and framed it as misplaced outrage. Rep. Ro Khanna wrote, "Admire your courage, Macklemore!"

“We should all be outraged that powerful people are more upset about what an artist says than the displacement, starvation, and killing of innocent Palestinians.”

Celebrities pile on Sheeran

Ms. Rachel accused Sheeran on Instagram of caving. Rosie O'Donnell posted solidarity and floated a boycott, and the band MUNA called everyone involved pathetic.

“Ed Sheeran had an opportunity to show that we won't be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine.”

The selective outrage charge

Podcast host Christian Toto said the same lawmakers stayed quiet when Gina Carano lost her Disney role and when M.I.A. was dropped from Kid Cudi's tour for right-leaning views.

“Don't they care about strong, empowered women being silenced?”

Whose brand is the stage

Toto argued the free speech case is murkier here because an opener represents the headliner. Clear political boundaries set in advance, he said, could have avoided the whole mess.

“Macklemore is an employee of the tour and represents Sheeran's brand, to a degree.”