Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine remarks, gains support from fellow artists

Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after he used his two opening sets to call for a free Palestine, a statement that venue owners said they could not accommodate. The rapper said the brief platform allowed him to address an audience of about 90,000 people, and he described the removal as the most successful part of the tour because it amplified the issue.

The decision sparked a wave of public support from artists and activists. Kehlani, who has faced similar venue cancellations for her own pro-Palestinian stance, posted on Instagram, "Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!" Vic Mensa praised her in an open letter, and Irish band Kneecap posted "All love and solidarity to Macklemore. Free Palestine." Other musicians, including Robby Vylan of Bob Vylan, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and the Irish group Beoga, announced they were withdrawing from the tour or its backing band, citing concerns over censorship and the treatment of pro-Palestinian speech.

Sheeran addressed the controversy in an Instagram slideshow, stating he does not want to be seen as complicit and that he chooses not to speak publicly on the conflict, though he respects Macklemore's decision to speak. He said the removal was driven by venue owners and promoters, including the Kraft Group.

Several public figures, from actress Rowan Blanchard to model Gigi Hadid, posted messages of solidarity with Macklemore. Activist Greta Thunberg, who was detained by Israeli forces last summer, also expressed support. The episode has highlighted ongoing tensions between artists' political expression and commercial venue policies.