Ed Sheeran-Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ controversy: Here is everything that happened on the Loop Tour

Macklemore was removed from the US leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. Sheeran has since said the decision was made by promoters and venues, while several supporting acts have withdrawn from the tour.

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has become the centre of a growing controversy after rapper Macklemore was removed from the US leg following pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening performances. The dispute has since escalated, with Sheeran addressing the decision publicly and several other acts withdrawing from the tour.

Here is how the controversy unfolded.

• September 4: Macklemore speaks out at MetLife Stadium

Macklemore opened for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4. During his set, the rapper performed his protest song Hind’s Hall and used the concert platform to express his support for Palestinians.

He told the crowd that one of the reasons he wanted to join the tour was to use stadium stages to say “Free Palestine”. He also referenced the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The remarks quickly drew criticism from groups that accused the rapper of using a major concert platform to promote a political message.

• September 5: Macklemore reiterates his position

During his second MetLife Stadium performance the following night, Macklemore again addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He also spoke directly to Jewish members of the audience, arguing that criticism of Israel should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.

• September 6: Calls for his removal grow

The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from Sheeran’s tour.

The organisation argued that an opening act should not use a large concert platform to present what it described as a one-sided political narrative.

Macklemore, meanwhile, continued to defend his position.

• September 7: Macklemore responds to criticism

The rapper posted a video of his speech on X following the backlash.

He wrote that the belief that all people should be treated equally should not be controversial.

• September 11: Pink enters the debate

Singer Pink also became part of the controversy after criticism over her social media activity surrounding the issue.

In a lengthy Instagram statement, Pink discussed her Jewish identity and said she believed Palestinians deserved a future that respected their humanity and aspirations.

At the same time, she criticised Macklemore's decision to bring imagery and political messaging related to the war into a stadium concert.

• September 14: Macklemore is removed from the tour

The controversy reached a turning point when Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s US tour, confirmed that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining support dates.

According to the promoter, venues scheduled to host upcoming shows had indicated that they would not allow Macklemore to perform. The promoter said this could have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.

Macklemore responded by describing Sheeran as a longtime friend but questioned the idea of remaining politically neutral on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

• September 14: Robert Kraft responds

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, was subsequently drawn into the dispute after Macklemore referred to pressure from stadium owners.

Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Sheeran’s upcoming Gillette Stadium shows. He cited what he described as concerns over material shared from the stage and what he characterised as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Kraft also said the decision was not intended to dismiss Palestinian suffering or prevent advocacy on behalf of Palestinians.

• September 15: Ed Sheeran breaks his silence

Sheeran then addressed the controversy directly.

The singer said removing Macklemore was not his decision, but a decision made by the tour promoter after venues indicated they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Sheeran said he respected Macklemore's convictions but preferred using his own platform to promote dialogue, diplomacy and a space where audiences could come together.

• September 15: Sheeran’s other acts withdraw

The fallout did not end with Macklemore's removal.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish group Beoga all announced that they would no longer participate in the remaining dates of the tour.

Finneas said he stood with Palestine and its people, while Lukas Graham said artists should be able to discuss war and civilian deaths. Beoga also said performing at venues where artists advocating for a free Palestine could be silenced was not something it was willing to do.

About the Author

Anjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour.<br><br> Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture.<br><br> Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miranda House, and is currently pursuing an MBA, strengthening her understanding of business strategy and digital media economics. Her writing balances newsroom discipline with a clear instinct for what resonates with readers.

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