1. The Trigger: Macklemore’s Onstage Speech
While performing as the opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) spoke at length in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, saying "Free Palestine" and calling Israel’s military actions a genocide and apartheid. [1, 2]
The organization StopAntisemitism condemned the speech, accusing Macklemore of "ambushing" the audience. [1]
2. The Ultimatum from Venue Owners
The fallout escalated quickly when billionaire Robert Kraft, the Jewish owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, barred Macklemore from performing at his venue. Kraft stated that the decision was due to Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery". [1, 2, 3]
According to Macklemore and tour promoters, Kraft rallied other major stadium owners across the country to issue a collective ultimatum to Sheeran: either drop Macklemore, or the venues would cancel the concerts entirely, affecting hundreds of thousands of fans. Faced with the cancellation of the tour, the promoter, Messina Touring Group, officially pulled Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates. [1]
3. Ed Sheeran's Response
Ed Sheeran broke his silence, stating that the decision to remove Macklemore belonged to the promoters and venues, not him. Sheeran added that he spent a week trying to "build bridges" between the parties but ultimately failed. He defended his decision to remain apolitical on stage: [1, 2, 3]
"There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics — my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my show do not expect a political forum." [1]
4. Mass Exodus of Support Acts
Sheeran's desire to remain neutral sparked further backlash. Prominent industry peers, including the band Massive Attack, criticized him, stating that no artist should tolerate the censorship of another. [1]
In a massive wave of solidarity with Macklemore, all remaining supporting acts quit the tour. High-profile artists like Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother/producer), Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and the Irish band Beoga officially withdrew from their upcoming dates. Finneas noted on social media that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed." [1, 2]
Current Status
Macklemore announced he is donating his $1 million net earnings from the tour to Palestinian aid organizations and publicly challenged Robert Kraft to match it. Despite losing his entire opening lineup, Sheeran's tour is still set to proceed, starting with his upcoming show in Philadelphia. [1]
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