Macklemore removed after Gaza advocacy

During two nights opening Ed Sheeran's Loop tour, Macklemore spoke about Palestinians in Gaza where over 73,000 have died. Venue owners pulled him from the remaining dates.

Macklemore defends his choice

Macklemore wrote that he only needed two chances to speak to 90,000 people. If those words cost him the stage but turned attention back to Palestine, he said it was his most successful tour ever.

“I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2.”

Kehlani shares her own experience

Singer Kehlani, who was pulled from two performances in 2025 for supporting Palestinians, commented on Macklemore's post with solidarity. She said many venues are united in this approach.

“Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!”

Kneecap stands with Macklemore

Irish band Kneecap, who faced criticism for Palestine advocacy at Coachella, commented that they've spoken about the issue at every show since their formation. They posted a backstage photo with Macklemore.

“They can never silence the truth.”

Bob Vylan echoes the message

Rapper Robby Vylan of Bob Vylan commented on Macklemore's post, repeating his own quote about duty. The duo is suing the BBC over their 2025 Glastonbury performance.

“There is no thanks for a duty.”

Finneas withdraws from tour

Producer and artist Finneas, scheduled to open the South American leg of Sheeran's Loop tour, withdrew from the remaining dates. He wrote that artists must not be silenced when speaking for the oppressed.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

Aaron Rowe steps down

Opener Aaron Rowe also dropped out, citing his Irish heritage and knowledge of genocide and forced occupation. He said he cannot allow billionaires to silence voices speaking against Israeli genocide.

Lukas Graham exits the tour

Singer Lukas Graham withdrew from remaining dates, writing that money doesn't give anyone the right to own the conversation or decide which suffering gets acknowledged.

“Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation.”

Beoga leaves backing band role

Irish band Beoga, who performed with Sheeran nightly, departed the tour after witnessing Macklemore's performance. They said they were terrified by how the audience supported his message.

Sheeran responds to controversy

Sheeran posted that he is not complicit and has personal views on the conflict, but chooses not to speak publicly. He said venue owners and promoters made the decision to remove Macklemore.

“I am not complicit.”

Robert Kraft's statement

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Macklemore was barred based on recent actions, material shared onstage, and a history of antisemitic rhetoric he believes hurt the Jewish community.

Massive Attack criticizes Sheeran

The band said no artist should tolerate censorship of another artist regardless of money involved. They stand with artists risking careers defending Palestinian rights.

“No artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist, however many millions of dollars are in play.”

Mary Lambert defends Macklemore

Singer Mary Lambert, who collaborated with Macklemore on Same Love, said the decision is embarrassing. She noted that Jewish people are not a monolith and many support Palestine.

Jensen McRae speaks as a Jewish artist

Singer and songwriter Jensen McRae, who is Jewish, wrote that she is baffled by the Free Palestine statement being controversial. She said we must acknowledge government atrocities without indicting civilians.

Greta Thunberg shows solidarity

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, detained by Israeli forces last summer, commented on Macklemore's post with full solidarity. She warned that artists' silence in the face of genocide will not be forgotten.

“Full solidarity and free Palestine.”

Ms. Rachel defends speaking out

Children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel, with 21 million subscribers, defended speaking about Palestine despite her young audience. She listed the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian children.

Pattie Gonia on venue censorship

Drag artist and activist Pattie Gonia noted that venue owners are united in supporting Zionism and silencing political artists. She said every artist could speak up but many choose not to.

Muna and others join the chorus

Indie pop band Muna called the move to silence free speech about genocide utterly pathetic. Model Gigi Hadid and singer Zara Larsson also voiced support for Macklemore.

“Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic.”